Move Minneapolis’ webinar “Tips to Overcome Transportation Barriers” explored some common barriers to using sustainable transportation and potential solutions with the Move Minneapolis team. Executive Director Tiffany Orth, Outreach Manager John Barobs and Outreach Specialist Catherine Windyk shared their personal experiences with using sustainable transportation and tips for overcoming barriers they’ve faced. Read the recap below, and check out the recording.
On the barrier of “It takes too long not to drive”
According to the 2023 American Commuting Survey, the average commute time in Minneapolis-St. Paul is 25.2 minutes. The average distance is 8.7 miles. That translates to an average speed to just over 20 mph. Not very fast! Then add to that the amount of time it takes to walk from the downtown parking ramp or lot to the workplace. Did you have to stop to gas up your car? Commuting times vary by distance, traffic conditions, and by mode. Cars don’t always have the advantage on commuting times.
– John
On the barrier of “I don’t have a shower at my destination”
All five transit authority buses and all of the trains are outfitted with bike racks. Commuters can put bikes on the bus in the morning already dressed for work. Bring a pair of shorts and a t-shirt to change into at the end of the workday and get your workout on the ride home.
E-bikes are a game-changer for bicycle commuting. With the electric motor assist you can coast into downtown without breaking into a sweat. If you want a workout on the ride home you can also turn the electric motor down or completely off.
-John
On the barrier of safety concerns
First was really just reckoning with my mindset. I think there’s a lot of preconceived notions that go around using these sustainable modes as it relates to safety as I just described and, to be honest, driving honestly feels safer a lot of times because it’s familiar. It’s a relatively controlled environment compared to other modes. Even though, you know, quite practically speaking, and, statistically speaking, we can see that it presents many dangers and can be just as risky, if not more risky than these other modes. But it obviously is something that we’ve grown accustomed to, and I think that that actually is something to keep in mind, as you consider other modes, that half the battle is really kind of getting past some of that, those initial perceptions and getting more comfortable taking other modes. And the only way you really do that is by exposure and just continuing to do it and trying it when you can, and sometimes that exposure goes a long way with mitigating some of the the mindset, and challenges that you may perceive around safety on transit.
-Tiffany
On the barrier of managing a complex schedule
I don’t often have the the luxury of being able to allocate a lot of time for some of these modes. For most people going completely car-free isn’t an option. And I really want to emphasize that. That’s okay. And just thinking about where you can replace trips, where you can think about carpooling or combining trips. Maybe you have the opportunity to adjust destinations where you can and also can think about, you know, planning ahead, if possible, to allow for those sustainable modes. So again, really just giving yourself the grace, but also thinking about where you can slot out trips where you can is the main takeaway of how to manage complex schedules.
-Tiffany
On the barrier of cold/snow/ice/heat
You don’t have to do these things every day for every trip… Maybe it’s the worst snowstorm in a century – maybe you don’t bike that day. Maybe that’s the day you take the bus or the train, or… some other options. Don’t do anything that you think is going to put you in danger. You know yourself, you know your health and I would encourage people to… try experimenting and expanding your comfort zone, but not to an extent where you’re putting yourself in danger.
I highly recommend investing in goggles. They make down skirts which can keep your butt warm, which can be a big challenge. (When it’s hot) you can use (a UV umbrella) to bring your own shade wherever you go – great for walking, keeps you cooler and for waiting for transit as well. Getting waterproof items can help with rain on an active commute. Don’t walk in flip flops (in the rain) because you might slip – if you get grippy sandals that strap onto your feet you can just take those off when you get to work, dry off your feet, and you don’t have soaking shoes for the rest of the day… Rain pants and overshoes are great for if you’re biking and you don’t have options to wear shorts or sandals.
-Catherine
On the barrier of perceiving driving to be cheaper than other options
A car is expensive, you want to get your money’s worth. However, the more you use it, the more it costs you. So with gas obviously it’s tied to how much you drive, and how far; wear and tear increases the more you drive. Longer commutes can equal higher premiums, and there are also companies that have pay by the mile options these days.
Active transportation could save on gym costs. Maybe you’re driving to… spin class. Could you maybe bike to work instead? Save some time (if) you don’t need to come home and then also go to the spin class… Active transportation could save on health costs – there’s many conditions that are prevented or improved with physical activity. So if you’re increasing your physical activity, it’s possible that you could be reducing your healthcare costs.
-Catherine
Resources Mentioned:
Grease Rag Winter Skill Share for FTW (Femme/Trans/Women)
City of Minneapolis Winter Bike/Walk Maintenance Information
City of Minneapolis Bike Parking Info (for personal and shared bikes)
Star Tribune article comparing travel options to the State Fair (bike wins!)
EZ Pass Lane – Bypass highway traffic by carpooling!
ABC Ramps – Shower and Bicycle Locker Information
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