When people are asked why they commute by car, one of the most common answers is that “it’s just easier.” Many factors lead to this view. While we can’t address them all in a single blog, we can take a look at one of them! Commuting via bicycle can be challenging when you are bringing along some extra cargo. Say you are grocery shopping and know you will have bags when returning home. It’s easy to rule out bicycling because you have nowhere to put the bags. While a bike doesn’t have a trunk, there are a lot of ways to make some space. Here are a few of our favorite ways to carry things on a bike.

Summertime is for sunshine, fresh air, and bike rides. The nostalgia of peddling around the neighborhood on summer vacation can inspire almost anyone to brush off the dust on their two-wheeler and head out for a spin. Almost anyone. Summers in Memphis are not always forgiving to those who long to be outside on a bike regardless of the temperature.

Picture this: you are halfway through a ride when the rain hits. There is no quick escape. Your shirt is sticking to your back and you can feel the water seeping through the holes of your helmet. You get to your destination and you are drenched from head to toe. Sound fun? We don’t think so! No matter how many times you check the weather, it can change at the drop of a hat, leaving you to search for the nearest towel.

Yes, you read the title correctly! While you may think of roller skating as just for fun, just for kids, or just for exercise, with a few precautions, you may want to add the activity to your list of commuting options.

For many bicyclists, the presence of cars is a huge concern. Larger modes of transport beside you on the road can seem threatening. The threat gets even bigger when there is no bike lane and you need to share the road. But sharing one road shouldn’t keep you off two wheels! While you can’t control what cars do, here are a few things you can do to stay safe.

Parking is a major problem for many commuters, especially those who live in or commute to downtown Memphis. A new development at Beale and Main promises to bring relief to downtown parking – and much more.

Walking in Memphis is more than just a favorite song about our city. It is a great way to slow down and practice mindfulness and contribute to creating positive change and improving the environment. Let’s explore some of the health benefits of walking…in Memphis.

Commuting is a huge part of the American workweek, and public transportation plays a major role in getting us from point A to point B. Families, individuals, communities, and businesses all benefit from a good public transportation system. A lifeline for millions of Americans, it connects us to people, places, and possibilities. Public transportation eases traffic congestion, contributes to a cleaner environment, and is a safe and economical way to commute.

The Commute Options initiative aims to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicle commute trips in Memphis while increasing the usage of transit, carpooling, bicycling, and walking to work. But why should you consider alternative modes of commuting? Here are some alternative modes of commuting and some of the benefits of each.

When it comes to alternative modes of commuting, route planning is a crucial aspect of success. Planning ahead will help you save time while commuting, ensure you are on the best possible route, and set expectations for your commute. The best path for a car is not always the best for walking or bicycling.

A good bicyclist loves to be prepared. Bicycling comes with different challenges and needs than driving, so it helps to have a few things on hand that you might need. Nobody wants to get stuck on the road, caught in the rain, or arrive to work unprepared. Luckily, the solution is easy! Carry these things so you are always ready to go:

The statistics are worth a challenge: in Memphis, over 80% of commuters drive alone to work; only 10.7% carpool and just under 2% take mass transit. As we work together to change these statistics, we think a little fun is in order! That’s why we are bringing back our annual Commute Challenge in May.

We had to take a three-year pause, thanks to those pesky pandemic restrictions, just when we were on a roll (no pun intended!). In 2019, over 300 people from 50 companies joined the Commute Challenge, our best Challenge ever. This May, we are excited to ask all commuters to once again explore new ways of getting around Memphis.

Carpooling has been around for decades. Sharing the ride was once quite popular; in the 1970s, 18% of commuters rode together. But according to the U.S. Census, carpooling has declined every decade since 1980 when carpooling peaked at 19.7%. In Memphis, currently just over 10% of commuters take advantage of a carpool. Yet the benefits of sharing the ride are just as compelling today as they were 43 years ago. In fact, considering the increase of both population and pollution, carpooling stands out as an easy and effective way to decrease traffic (and the corresponding headaches), save money, help the environment, and enjoy the ride.

Memphis is a wonderful city for walking and biking, with a growing network of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly routes. While you will want to take the weather into account, you’ll find many days of the year to be perfect for enjoying the outdoors as you pedal or stroll your way to work (picking up the pace if you are running late, of course!). Exercise before work sets you up for a productive day, and time in nature is a delightful way to unwind on your way home.

Commute Options, at Innovate Memphis, is excited to support the new partnership between MATA and Shelby County Schools, as they distribute free transit passes to 3,000 students!