bikeseattle.org

Seattle has got a great program to try to encourage people to use alternate forms of transportation. It’s called the “One Less Car Challenge”.

The One Less Car Challenge is a new program that gives you a taste of living with one less car. Basically, you go on a “car diet” for a month by not driving your second car - or your only car. You’ll get great tips on how to get around by bus, bike & foot, as well as some nifty incentives - like some free Flexcar use for the month.

If you need more inspiration, how about some cash?

In 2005, the Commuter Cash program provided up to $200 to commuters who stopped driving to work. This program is currently closed, but a new version will be launched in spring 2006.

An added feature in ‘06 will be that you can earn $20 for each person you refer to the program. So, if you already bus, bike or walk, you can still receive incentives by getting your friends to do the same.

Furthermore, calculating your car cost estimates that owning a car is about $85/wk.

Many people tend to think that using a car to get around is pretty much ‘free’ (except for gas), when in reality the average second car costs approximately $4200 per year or $85 a week. What could you do with $85 a week (that’s $340 per month!). According to AAA, the average cost of a household’s first car is $6,000 a year — or $115 a week — to own and operate.

Perhaps it would be worthwhile trying an alternative form of transportation, at least for commuting. Go give it a try.