Club Ride - Commute Choices

You have choices when it comes to getting where you need to go. Instead of driving alone, utilize any of the following methods to help not only yourself, but your entire community.

Carpool
A carpool is a commute option where two or more people share a ride and potentially alternate vehicles and driving responsibilities. There are many benefits to carpooling including:

• Reduces automobile expenses
• Reduces wear and tear on vehicles
• Helps improve air quality by taking more cars off the road
• Can reduce commute stress
• Provides flexibility; just one day a week will make a difference in traffic congestion and air quality
• Use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on U.S. 95

Carpool Rules and Etiquette

Once you have identified a potential carpool partner, either on your own or through Club Ride's exclusive ridematch report, arrange to meet with them over coffee or lunch to iron out details and to determine whether you are suited to carpool together. The more you discuss in advance, the fewer problems you will encounter once you have started carpooling. Some of the topics you may want to discuss with your prospective carpool partner include:

• How much will everyone pay for gas and other expenses?
• Who will drive and when?
• How often will you carpool - every day or once a week? Set the schedule and remember, if things change you must contact your fellow carpoolers ASAP!
• Where will pick-ups and drop-offs be located? Must permission be obtained to park in these places?
• What will you do on days when you cannot carpool and it is your turn to drive?
• What happens if you have to work late or leave work early because of an emergency? There is a Guaranteed Ride Home program to handle getting the ride home taken care of, but you must be sure to contact everyone in your pool regarding the emergency situation.
• How long will the carpool wait if someone is late?
• What sort of music will be allowed, if any?
• Is smoking allowed?
• Is eating allowed?
• Are any riders sensitive to strong perfumes or colognes?
• Will you be making stops? (For coffee, dropping children off at daycare, gas, etc.)
• What duties will the driver be responsible for?
• Will the fuel tank be filled before the riders are picked up?

Finally, consider setting up a trial period so that if the carpool does not work for some it will be easy to bow out gracefully.

Vanpool
A vanpool is a commute mode where seven to 15 persons share a van. Vanpools generally work best for groups that have commutes of at least 20 miles each way. The vehicle can be provided by a company that specializes in vanpooling, the employer or an employee. Vanpooling has become an increasingly popular alternate commute because of its many benefits, including:

• Reduces wear and tear on vehicles
• Helps reduce air pollution by reducing number of vehicles on our roadways
• Provides useable time for riders
• Can reduce commute stress
• Offers a flexible alternative to driving alone
• Allows riders to share in the task of driving
• Decreases automobile expenses

Transit
Transit provides convenient service for a great price!

• Costs less than driving - a monthly pass is only $40
• Reduces wear and tear on vehicles
• Provides useable time
• Can reduce commute stress
• Offers an opportunity to meet new people
• Allows you to carry your bicyle to finish your trip
• Helps improve air quality by taking more cars off the road

Bicycling
More and more Las Vegas Valley residents are choosing to bicycle to work.

Some of the reasons why it pays to get pedaling:

• Provides a very low-cost commute
• Reduces wear and tear on vehicles
• Reduces automobile expenses
• Eliminates hassle and cost of parking a car
• Offers flexibility - matches any schedule
• Emits no air pollution
• Can reduce commute stress
• Provides great exercise

Bicycling to work is getting even easier with the growing number of bicycle lanes and dedicated cycle paths throughout the valley. Currently, there are approximately 81 miles of bicycle routes, 160 miles of cycle lanes and 71 miles of bike paths, with many more proposed for the future.

Click here for a map of the valley's bike routes.

Bicycling with Transit
All buses serving the Las Vegas Valley are equipped with bicycle racks on the front, making it even easier to combine commute modes. Each rack on the transit vehicle can accommodate up to two bicycles and some of the newer vehicles can even carry three. There is no additional cost to bring your bike along for the ride.

Safety Reminder
Always remember to obey the rules of the roads. Be visible when riding your bicycle at night and do not forget to wear your helmet whenever you ride.

Bicycling links
Visit vivabikevegas.com for links to a variety of bicycling sites.

Walking
Walking is a great form of alternative commuting if you live close to your work site. Following are just a few of the reasons to consider lacing up those tennis shoes:

• It is absolutely free
• Reduces automobile expenses
• Reduces wear and tear on vehicles
• Eliminates hassle and cost of parking a car
• Helps improve air quality by taking another car off the road
• Can reduce commute stress
• Offers flexibility - matches any schedule
• Provides a reliable commute option
• Provides great exercise

Safety Reminder
Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes and take caution on days of extreme weather. Do not overdo it at first, give yourself extra time when you start.

Motorcycles and other Street Legal Modes of Transportation
Whether it's a scooter, a cruiser or a three-wheeler, all qualify as an alternative commute choice that help reduce roadway congestion and can help save you money on gas and insurance. Just remember these tips to keep your commute fun and safe:

• Follow all traffic laws
• Always wear protective clothing
• Don't forget to wear a helmet
• Consider leaving the bike at home on windy days