Happy New Year! Before we dive into what's to come in 2010, I wanted to take some time to reflect on 2009. At the beginning of 2009 we welcomed Kelsie Greer to our team as a Program Coordinator, and we are so happy to have her on board. We also received three grants, one that will fund the continued development of our 511 Telephone and Website, another to build a Mobility Management Program; bridging the gap between transit agencies and social services agencies in San Luis Obispo County, and one to fund our Safe Routes to School Program. In addition, Google Transit was successfully launched as an online transit trip planner for SLO Transit.

In the Spring, we promoted our Don't Just Wear Green, Be Green, St. Patrick's Day Campaign and spearhead Bike Month, Chain Reaction. Bike Month offered 57 free community bike related events and had 700 people, representing 71 organizations participate in the online Commuter Bike Challenge. During this time, Rideshare also developed the Regional Ride Guide Map and promoted our Summer Break Pass Program, encouraging 460 youth to choose transit over their parent's car during the summer months.

A few other notable achievements include the launch of our Online Bus Pass Store, the only county-wide, 24-hour pass outlet. We also launched the County's first ever Workplace Bike Sharing Program, giving employers free bikes for their employees to use during the work day. Rideshare also spearhead Rideshare Month, Commute for Cash Challenge, with 522 participants reducing 155,572 pounds of emissions and saving over $153,000 on commute costs. Lastly, we would also like to celebrate the launch of the Car Free Program and the addition of car sharing service in San Luis Obispo.

Many thanks for your support and involvement in our programs - we couldn't do it without you. Whether you are a commuter, youth, senior, student, parent, ETC., by integrating sustainable transportation into the way you get around, you are making a huge difference in our community. Let's continue making San Luis Obispo County safer, healthier and more sustainable in 2010!

And here's a brief snapshot of what's to come in 2010:
- A new ride match system to replace TripLink
- A new and improved incentive program
- The launch of a 511 Telephone and Website Service
- A new look and feel for the Rideshare Program
- The launch of our grant funded Safe Routes to School Program
- Region-wide Google Transit trip planner

Cheers!

Morgen Marshall

Rideshare Manager

Bike Month is coming.....

We know that May 2010 seems like ages away but we are so excited that we have already set the wheels in motion for another great year. After a recent community wide vote, the theme for Bike Month 2010 will be "Life in the Bike Lane".

With this theme in mind, Rideshare is holding an "image design competition" to create the logo/artwork for the new year of bicycle celebrations. This image will represent Bike Month 2010 and will appear on all posters, flyers, T Shirts, ect.

The winning designer will receive a $300 reward and will be offered a contract to develop all other collateral. Submissions are due by Friday, February 5th. Click here for more info and contest guidelines.

We're Number 1!

Recently San Luis Obispo County received the highest ranking for pedestrian safety in the recent study, conducted by Transportation for America, out of California's 26 metropolitan areas. With over $900,000 per year being invested to maintain and improve pedestrian infrastructure, San Luis Obispo County is leading the way to a safer healthstyle. Walking to school

As the safest county in the state for pedestrians, there is no better time than now to encourage children to walk and bike to school. Contrary to popular belief, driving children to and from school can be more hazardous to their safety and health. As more and more parents drive, traffic congestion around schools rises and air quality and physical health suffer. According to the California Department of Education, over 32% of California's youth are overweight.

This is another reason to step up and become part of Rideshare's Safe Routes to School program.

Bike Lockers are here!

The Bike Locker program has been updated and Rideshare now has several lockers available at these locations:

East Mall, Atascadero (Old City Hall area)
Santa Barbara Road, Atascadero
Curbaril, Atascadero
Halcyon Road, Arroyo Grande
Pacific Street (behind parking, structure, SLO)
Ramona Garden Park, Grover Beach
Highway 58, Santa Margarita

Bike lockers are available for a $40 annual fee, plus a $10 refundable deposit. Please contact Kelsie if you would like to rent one.

Commute for Cash Challenge

Most of you have probably heard about the success of the Commute for Cash Challenge held during Rideshare Month in October. Thanks to everyone who took part and we heard many rewarding stories of first time alternative transportation commuters. Commute for Cash Challenge logo

By carpooling, biking, vanpooling, taking the bus and walking during October 2009, the 522 participants, making up 194 teams, saved over $153,000 and reduced 155,500 pounds of harmful emissions in just thirty days. On top of saving money by not driving alone, Rideshare rewarded teams with over $450 in cash for their commute cost savings and gave away $400 to individuals, just for participating.

For a full version of the Rideshare Wrap Up report checkout our website.

Help with Your Commute!

Transit types are getting wise to the power of smartphones and are being offered a growing number of apps that can enhance your commute whether you're on two heels, four wheels or public transit.

Here are five new commuting apps to try:

Bike Your Drive - free app for bike commuters. It uses the iPhone's GPS to calculate how far you've gone, how many calories you've burned and how much gas & money you have saved by ditching the car

Transit Maps - this app puts those big transit maps in your pocket so you can figure out where to catch that transfer or hit the stop closest to your destination. Simply download the map from your local transit agency and store it on your phone.

Aha - If you've ever been stuck in traffic and wanted to know what is going on, this app is for you! It provides real time traffic info about your route, also find restrooms, diners and coffee

Maps + Compass - this is a standard app on the iPhone and it is useful whether you are crossing town or crossing the continent. Plug in your current location and your destination and tell it whether you are walking, driving or taking the bus