Have You Tried Multi-Modal Transportation?

by Gina Simpson

Would you like to improve your physical and mental health? Do you want to decrease your carbon footprint, get to know your neighbors better, and save money? Then Multi-Modal Transportation (MMT) is for you!

What is MMT you may ask? MMT is getting around under your own power. Walking, biking, skate boarding, roller skating, etc. are all forms of MMT. Walking is the most basic form of human transportation. It is not only economical, but walking improves our fitness and releases endorphins which boost our mood naturally! Fresh air and

sunlight are also natural sanitizers so take that COVID-19.

The average walking pace is 3 miles per hour. What is within a mile of your house? Parks, restaurants, schools, and shops all make great walking destinations and only take about 20 minutes to walk to in that mile radius circle. Walking with children also helps build lasting relationships!

Cycling is also a great way to get around. You can expand that 1 mile radius to around 3.5 miles for the same 20 minute travel commitment. Cycling gives you access to a large circle of destinations that are now within your reach with no need to fill up a tank with gas. Bikes quickly went out of stock due to high demand when COVID hit, but they are coming back in stock now. Most bikes have the capacity to add baskets and cargo bags so they make great vehicles for transporting groceries, school supplies, picnics, and lots of other things. There are many seats, trailers, and pedal along options now make it possible for all members of the family to safely be transported by bike.

What are some obstacles to MMT? For most people it is a lack of education on safe ways to travel or lack of access to the infrastructure they need to walk or bike to their destinations. We are very lucky that the City of Cleveland, TN is very committed to MMT and is working to improve our sidewalks, bike lanes, and multi-use paths such as the Greenway. All areas aren’t perfect yet, but we are getting there. Schools now have many resources to offer bicycle transportation education and bike rodeos in PE classes. Walking School Bus programs are being implemented to 46 // September 2020

help educate students and parents on safe ways to walk to school. We even have a Bradley County Health Council that offers resources for neighborhoods and individuals on healthy transportation alternatives.

What can you do to get involved? The best way to experience MMT is to just get out and go for a walk around your neighborhood. Stop and talk to your neighbors along the way and see where they like to walk or ride to around town. Get that old bike out of the shed, air up the tires, and take a cruise along the Greenway! Get in touch with local bike walk groups such as Bike Walk Cleveland and Bradley Walks from the UT extension for tips, tricks, and free educational classes.

About The Author

Gina Simpson is the chair of Bike Walk Cleveland, a non-profit dedicated to improving walking and biking for all citizens of Cleveland and Bradley County. She and her husband Jacob have three children and enjoy walking and riding their bikes around town.

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