How much money and emissions do you save when you walk or bike to work? For the last 10 years, Bellingham has been keeping track with a program called Whatcom Smart Trips.
The program invites Whatcom county residents to log the length, frequency, and mode of their more environmentally conscious commutes. In exchange it offers perks like discounts and gifts at local businesses and the occasional giveaway.
If for no other reason, participate in Smart Trips to see the data. When you log any trip in which you bike, walk, ride the bus, or share a ride and the program’s website calculates for you how much good you’ve done for the environment, your budget, and your health. It’s fascinating to see the impact of all that walking, biking, and ride sharing.
Whatcom Smart Trips is administrated by the Whatcom Council of Governments and funded jointly by the City of Bellingham, Whatcom County, Whatcom Transit Authority, and a number of private grant funders.
The program was recently highlighted by Feet First, a group that advocates for more walkable communities.