This May, let’s gear up to stay active and help the environment with the May in Motion initiative! This program encourages us to “unplug” a bit, stay active, and do our part for the environment—a win-win situation!
May in Motion is a project in Boise, Idaho, that takes place every May, focusing on smart commuting. It aims to address the problems caused by over 200,000 people driving to work alone. This extra traffic wastes gas, money, and time, wears down roads, pollutes the air, and is ultimately costly for the community.
For the entire month of May, the project targets traffic issues and raises awareness about alternative commuting options.
Though it starts in Boise, May in Motion can be applied anywhere, not just for environmental benefits but for personal ones too. Finding alternative commuting methods, like biking, walking, carpooling, or taking public transportation, is beneficial for the environment and can save you money.
Transportation is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for 23% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion, with 75% stemming from road transportation. If walking or biking isn’t an option, even carpooling or using public transit a few times a week can save you money on gas and reduce air pollution.
May in Motion is not just about environmental perks; it’s also about health benefits. While the main focus in Boise is smart commuting, you can set your own goals, like exploring new commuting methods, staying active throughout the year, and supporting similar projects in your city.
Being mindful of fuel-efficient vehicle choices, choosing outdoor activities, and getting involved in community programs are all important lessons from the May in Motion project that can be applied anywhere.
Even if your town doesn’t have a May in Motion program, they likely have similar initiatives promoting healthy living and transportation alternatives. Many cities feature bike programs to encourage health and provide alternative transportation options. These programs can be found in various forms, but they all aim to foster community, an active lifestyle, and environmental responsibility.
If there’s no bike program in your community, consider the benefits of biking for you and your family. Start with family bike rides and explore other commuting options. Awareness of the issues tied to an inactive lifestyle and polluted areas can kickstart a bike program within your household.
Making May in Motion your own is a great way to involve yourself in the initiative. If you don’t have other commuting options but support the project’s goals, tailor it to suit your lifestyle. With better weather in spring, outdoor activities are more accessible.
Turn your usual Friday date night into something active in May. You could walk to a park for a picnic, enjoy a sunset bike ride, or bike to a nearby body of water for swimming or fishing. These activities keep you active and reduce vehicle use for those days.
Encourage your family to make May the month to prioritize staying active. Your efforts might even extend throughout the year. Opt for bike rides instead of car trips to nearby places, family hikes, weekend canoe rentals, or DIY projects at the beach.
Staying active doesn’t require strenuous exercise; it’s about leading an active lifestyle and appreciating the outdoors.
May in Motion can extend beyond May, offering opportunities to incorporate outdoor activities into every month or season. Think along the lines of adventure themes like Jump in January, Marathon March, Swim in September, or Sunset Hike in Summer. Or simply enjoy outdoor activities like snowboarding in February or rock climbing in July. The goal is to get outside and maintain an active lifestyle.
Being active doesn’t mean you have to hit the gym or become a runner. Try activities you’ve never done before, whether alone, with a partner, group, or family. Mix and match monthly or seasonal themes and activities to create your adventure. For example, Paddle Boarding June sounds like a fantastic monthly theme to me.
May in Motion advocates for a balance between active transportation, transit, and driving by promoting smart transportation choices in Boise. The program benefits the environment, fosters community involvement, supports transportation systems, and promotes community health.
Everyone can learn from the positive impacts of May in Motion, from environmental benefits to the idea of staying active.
Even if you can’t bike to work every day or spend your days mountain biking, reducing one car trip per week and adding one active activity can positively impact the environment and your health. Stay active, everyone!
