Archive for October, 2017

Hi everyone, I’m that lazy cyclist who recently started with Choose Your Way Bellevue. Now that I have had a chance to get settled in my new “roll” here (get it, it’s a pun) on the west coast, I have learned that there are a bunch of pretty neat and innovative things that the City of Bellevue offers residents and local employees through the Choose Your Way Bellevue program.

Here is the rundown of my top five:

1. If you are new to transit (have ridden more than 3 times in the past 3 months) we’ll give you a free ORCA card that’s pre-loaded with $25! Just fill out the online form and we’ll mail you a card for free! Did I mention it was free?
2. This region has more transit related apps than you can shake a stick at. I’m still working my way through the list on our Apps & Technology page, but I’ve found that the OneBusAway app is really helpful!
3. Want to stay in the loop, at home or on the go? We’ve got a pretty substantial social media presence that is more than just transit alerts and upcoming closures—it’s actually interesting! Check out Choose Your Way Bellevue on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
4. Win prizes, just for logging the commuter trips that you are already taking! We have drawings and monthly rewards that you can earn just by logging eight days of non-drive along travel.  Come on people, that’s only two days a week each month.
5. Finally, if you’ve been thinking about changing up how you commute, let us know and we’ll actually plan out all your options for you with our custom Commute Plan service. It couldn’t be easier.

–Choose Your Way Bellevue Staffer, Tim

Tim recently relocated to Bellevue from the east coast where he was with local county government, encouraging people to try bicycling for transportation. Tim has enjoyed experiencing the Seattle region’s bike lanes and trails from his handlebars.

Enjoying Washington DC’s Cherry Blossom festival by bikeshare.

My name is Tim Kelley and I am the new Transportation Program Director at TransManage. We operate the Choose Your Way Bellevue outreach program on behalf of the City of Bellevue.  This is my semi-serious response to the question, “Why do you ride a bike for your commute?”

I ride my bike because I am lazy.

Okay, hear me out:  Walking takes too long. My three mile commute to work (downhill in the morning!) would take an hour if I walked it.  It’s barely 12 minutes by bike and I can just wear my normal work clothes.

The bus can be really great (it’s the best way to get into downtown Seattle in the morning) but I like the independence of leaving on my own schedule.  My bike is always waiting for me and is ready to go and I never have to worry about when the next bus will arrive.

Driving is pretty easy, but I don’t want to pay for parking in a garage and who has time to circle the block looking for a spot?  Biking is basically free and there is bike parking everywhere.  Besides, I can literally ride right up to office’s front door and take my bike inside. Oh and when was the last time you saw a bicycle traffic jam? The bike lanes are always clear!

Sure, biking is great because it’s super fun to feel the wind in your hair, it saves money, it’s good for the environment, and it means I don’t have to feel guilty about not going to the gym, but really when it comes down to it, riding my bike is the easiest option.

Did you know? Choose You Way Bellevue has tons of biking resources available to you!

-Choose Your Way Staffer, Tim

Tim recently relocated to Bellevue from the East Coast where he was with local county government, encouraging people to try bicycling for transportation. Tim has enjoyed experiencing the Seattle region’s bike lanes and trails from his handlebars.