Oregon Drive Less Challenge, Oct. 1 to 15

Whenever people talk to me about traveling to downtown Ashland, the hassle of finding a parking space invariably comes up. With the “Oregon Drive Less Challenge,” I’d like to propose a less-stressful scenario.

Rail transit and pathway, Santa Rosa to San Rafael

Source of image: Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit on Facebook

In northern California, Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) is testing its passenger trains and signal systems along an initial 43-mile route between Santa Rosa and San Rafael. When completed, this passenger-rail and pedestrian and bicycle pathway project will serve a 70-mile corridor from Larkspur to Cloverdale. My family and I closely followed this project's development when we lived in the north Bay, and with our ongoing support of viable alternatives to automobile use, the SMART Trains continue to hold our interest. The #TrackSMART tips being shared via social media seem particularly relevant too, whether passenger or freight trains make regular trips through our respective communities.

Bicycle commuting: Bag-and-rack essential

As a full-time bike commuter, I completely rely on a bag-and-rack system to give me transport capacity. The Topeak Super Tourist DX rear rack and MTX trunk bag provide essential components of my daily rides.

Sonoma Valley librarian commutes by bicycle

A family member in Sonoma County, Calif. gave me heads-up about a profile in the Sonoma Valley Sun: Lisa Musgrove, librarian and manager of the Sonoma Valley Regional Library, commutes to work by bicycle.

Bike commute ‘inspires’ Library Journal editorial director

Bicycling for part of her commute has inspired Library Journal editorial director Rebecca T. Miller “to think even more about how we build, promote sustainable practices, and urge people toward healthy, physical engagement with where they are.” It’s great to see libraries involved in encouraging livability. I urge library systems to follow the examples highlighted in Miller’s editorial, to help create car-culture alternatives by hosting bike-share locations.

‘Very small library branch on wheels’

Image credit: L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library

At Biking Librarians, a public Facebook group, Peter Rudrud posted news of what is essentially a “very small library branch on wheels,” a custom-built trailer pulled by a bicycle, holding about 100 items.

I would love to see more library systems create their own equivalents of the BookBike at L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, Wis.

“The BookBike gives librarians a new way to connect with residents of all ages, showcase the library’s digital content, provide an unexpected library experience, and give a fresh perspective of the public library.”

RVTD testing ‘eFare’ option

Bus fares by phone. Cartoon image created with Bitstrips

Rogue Valley Transportation District (RVTD) seeks regular bus riders to help test an eFare option, which will allow riders to pay fares by phone or reusable card.