Alternative Transportation Resources
Alternative forms of transportation benefit both the environment as well as your health.
Benefits of alternative transportation
The sections below provide more information on some of the most common and accessible forms of alternative transportation.
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Bicycles
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Scooters
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Public Transportation
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Paratransit
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Walking
BICYCLES
Benefits of Biking
There are many benefits of cycling. Some include:
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It’s easy on the joints.
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Pushing pedals provides an aerobic workout.
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Cycling builds muscle.
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It helps with everyday activities.
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Pedaling builds bones.
Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-top-5-benefits-of-cycling
Choosing to ride your bicycle over driving is also much more environmentally conscious and helps to lower your carbon footprint!
Bike Safety
Biking can be intimidating without understanding proper safety precautions. Understanding the rules of the road helps to create safe and fun biking conditions for everyone in the community! Review the items below to learn about CA bike law and general safety tips.
Bike Share and Discounted Bike Programs
If you do not have access to your own bike, there are opportunities to access a bike for short rides through bike sharing systems that come at a low and discounted cost. Below is information for the Ford GoBike and Lime Access programs that are discounted programs for bike sharing vehicles.
Ford GoBike - Bike Share for All
Bike Events
Good Karma Women’s Skills Clinic
Additional Resources
SCOOTERS
With increasing popularity and access to electric scooters, understanding how to safely and comfortably use them can provide access to a very beneficial form of local transportation.
Benefits of Using Scooters
Scooters help to:
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Ease Traffic Congestion
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Lower Environmental Impact of Transportation
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Increase Access and Availability to Transportation in Local Communities
Scooter Safety
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ALWAYS wear a helmet
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Know where to ride
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Understand and use hand signals
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Park on sidewalks, properly by the curbside
Discounted Electric Scooter Programs
Most scooter companies offer a discounted program for low-income riders. You must sign-up for each program independently with each company. If you would like to sign-up for these programs or learn more, please follow the links below.
Additional Resources
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Benefits of Using Public Transportation
As our roads and highways become more congested with traffic, public transportation is an alternative that makes commuting easier, faster, and less stressful for you and others on the road.
Benefits of Public Transportation
Safety on Public Transportation
The Valley Transit Authority has great tips to remain safe on public transportation. Highlights include:
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Paying attention to your surroundings
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Staying behind the yellow lines on boarding platforms and in buses
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Taking your seat quickly to avoid losing your balance when the bus/train departs
Additional Resources
Altamont Corridor Express (ACE)
PARATRANSIT
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public transit agencies that provide fixed-route service to provide “complementary paratransit” service to people with disabilities who cannot use the fixed-route bus or rail service because of a disability.
Below are links paratransit offered by public transportation organizations in the area:
SamTrans Paratransit
Santa Cruz METRO Paratransit
VTA Access: http://www.vta.org/getting-around/paratransit/accessibility-paratransit-servic
WALKING
Walking can be an easy way to access near-by locations in our neighborhoods while getting a good workout. Experts recommend walking for at least 30 minutes a day as one of the best and easiest ways to improve your health.
Pedestrian Safety
Basics of Pedestrian Safety:
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Be Predictable: Walk on sidewalks, obey traffic lights and rules.
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Be Visible: Wear bright colors in the day and reflective materials at night.
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Be Aware: Watch for cars and others around you; don’t be distracted by electronics.
Stepping Out as an Older Adult
Walking Resources