Kickstand

President Obama drove this car and so did we! This is also the same car that appeared on Jay Leno celebrity driving challenge–the Electric Ford Focus.

Smart Ideas:

• Match your vehicle to your trip—often a bike or small car is all you need
• Buy into the dream – when you are ready for your next car, go hybrid, go electric
• Maintain your vehicles – keeping them tuned, tires full, increases fuel efficiency

Research insight:

Many expressed guilt about driving but couldn’t imagine changing their driving habits. For those people who actually tried alternative transportation, many were pleasantly surprised and empowered.

Smart Living Jumpstarts:

• Once a week, get to work a different way—bike, bus, carpool, etc
• Work at home one day a week
• Group errands, ride with a friend – make it a game to reduce mileage when feasible

Factoids:

• 77% of people commute alone in their car
• When a person starts to bike commute, they lose an average of 13 pounds in their first year
• Only 4.7% of commuters use public transportation