If it is taking you longer to get to work this week, it could be because public schools have re-opened and The University of Texas has resumed classes. Maybe now is the time to consider an alternative to traveling to work alone in your car. Today, with gasoline prices routinely above $3.50 per gallon, more Central Texans may be motivated to carpool, use mass transit or ride a bicycle to work. So whether you're riding a bike or waiting for the bus, it makes good sense to use alternative commuting solutions.

To get started you need to change your thinking from a driver's perspective to one of an alternative commuter's perspective. A driver thinks shortest distance Point A to Point B and rarely cares about the weather. Not so for alternative commuters.

For example, this time of year you'll have to watch out for Ozone Action Days that should prevent you from cycling to work. We've seen so few of them, most days are good air days to be outdoors. Although your trip home may be a little steamy until the first fall cool front arrives, the mornings are quite comfortable, with temperatures in the low 70s.

The non-driver looks at the weather forecast the day before and prepares accordingly. Umbrellas, rain coats, wash cloths or baby wipes and even a change of clothes are all packed away and taken for the trip. Since you may have to wait for your transportation to arrive if you take the bus, reading material, hand-held video games or music used to pass the time is always a good idea.

Last year, Seton Family of Hospitals associates responded to the 2007 Commute Solutions survey. Of the respondents, 68% said they would use a commute solution if the savings or convenience were significant. Many others in our region no doubt feel the same way.

• 35% said they travel more than 20 miles each way to work. Over the course of a year, these long-distance commuters put in enough miles to travel around the earth 205 times!
• A large portion of the respondents have fairly regular arrival and departure times, but one out of four drops off or picks up children or other family members on the way to and from work.
• Generally, it takes associates slightly less time to get to work than it does to return home.
• Almost 90% of respondents work full time.
• 45% of us travel by care, 36% by truck or van.

Commute Solutions

Commute Solutions of Central Texas is a business/government partnership that promotes the benefits of commuting solutions with the goal of removing single-occupant vehicles from the road. Austin and San Antonio leaders have combined forces to help promote a reduction of traffic throughout the region. As a result of reduced traffic, our region would experience:

• Improved air quality;
• Reduced traffic congestion; and
• Reduced costs for commuters by lowering their fuel use and reducing wear and tear on vehicles.

For those who are ready to explore alternatives to single-occupant vehicle travel, their Web site provides access to community resources to help you find the right solution for you. Offerings include:

• River Cities Rideshare can help you find residents in your area with similar commuting patterns who may be a good match for car or van pooling.
• Certified Auto Ride in and Emergency (CARE) program can provide a guaranteed ride home when an emergency arises. For an annual fee of only $5, you can receive up to four free cab rides each year (up to 30 miles within the program geography).
• Commute by Bike provides cyclists with everything they need to know about commuting by bike.

Special Commuter Events

Several upcoming events also are designed to promote alternatives to single-occupant commuting.

The Annual 2008 Commuter Challenge
Tuesday, Sept. 2 - Sunday, Sept. 21
Participants able to document their commute solutions will be entered in a drawing for prizes at the end of September.

Commute Solutions Month Kickoff & Weirdest Commute Contest
Friday, Sept. 5
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Republic Square Park (4th & Guadalupe)

Music, food, information booths on commuting options, the UT cheerleaders, Austin Energys Cody the Clean Air Car, and more. Demonstrate your Weird Commute. Contest rules can be downloaded from the River Cities Rideshare home page.

Mellow Johnny's Scout-A-Route Rides These are leisurely rides to learn city routes and get comfy on your wheels. They are level "C" rides, which is about 14-16 mph. Once a month, a Novice Ride will roll out for beginners. Contact: Eileen Schaubert eileen@mellowjohnnys.com or (512) 473-0222

Mellow's to Nelo's: Version I
Saturday, August 30 9:15 a.m.
Rating: C-2 Distance: 19 miles
Depart from Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop at 400 Nueces
Scout out the City of Austin Bike Routes. Head north of downtown via Exposition and Shoal Creek with a stop at Nelo's Pro Cycles then loop back south via Shoal Creek and Nueces. Today's Route Numbers: 52, 25, 40, 29, 28, 31, 20, 41, and 31. These rides are meant for exploring, so bring questionsnot your heart rate monitor. Stick around afterwards for coffee.

Mueller Meander
Saturday, September 6 8:30 a.m.
Rating: C-2 Distance: 19 miles
Depart from Mellow Johnny's
Today's ride cruises through the east side to check out the new Mueller development then visits Cherrywood and loops a bit in Hyde Park before returning. Austin Bike Routes 54, 63, 30, 59, 42, 49, & 47. Come at 8:00 for pre-ride coffee.