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Berkeley / Travel Smart
Instructions:
Points: 6
Take alternative modes of transit (i.e., public transit, walk, bike, carpool) at least twice per week. (Take a photo of yourself in transit).
1 Number Completed:
Action Shots
Tom Bates
I use alternative modes of transit whenever possible. This has worked so well for me that I sold my car this year. Not only have I lowered my carbon footprint, but I’ve also lost fifteen pounds in the process. In fact, I have walked at least 10,000 steps every day since May 10th, 2008. This is a photo from October 6th after I walked 16,217 steps (more than 7 miles).
I challenge you to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.
Best,
Tom Bates (Mayor - City of Berkeley)
Berkeley Statistics:
80 Points
8 Challenges Completed
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Jay G. says:
Go Tom! True leadership.
Lulu L. says:
Finally, a leader who practices what he preaches! :)
Elli A. says:
Walking is certainly the ultimate mode of transit! Way to go. City Car Share is my second choice.
Jordana G. says:
I love that the Berkeley mayor is playing. That is awesome.
Gemma P. says:
Another reason why I love living in Berkeley! This place is so walkable and bikeable. Our family's single car sits home alone most days. Between biking and BART our car doesn't get out too much; it's pretty much a home body.
Ken O. says:
Rock on Mayor Bates and keep making Berkeley a better place to live! Many cities probably wish they had your thriving small biz + academic scene... I saw a line at Cheeseboard last night that nearly wrapped the block! Of course having UC Berkley doesn't hurt, but still... keep it up!
Also love the soccer fields and pedestrian bridge adjacent and spanning Highway I-80 respectively. Drivers on the freeway stop to gawk at people on the bridge and people playing soccer...
Time for other city mayors to "get active" too! I have a pedometer which I haven't been using recently. The longest distance I've clocked with it is 5-6 miles jogging and walking after work one evening this summer. People with desk jobs really need to walk more.
James E. says:
I moved to Berkeley so I could walk more (I used to live up in the Oakland Hills where I needed to get in a car to do anything). My wife and I got rid of one of our cars, and we began walking to Bart and stores and restaurants, which has been great! I think compact cities like Berkeley will see increased populations as more people arrive at the idea of sustainability for their own lives. Dense populations can offer more services to their citizens in economical ways. One of the things I love about Berkeley is how the city is able to maintain its bike-ways and pathways, even extending them, while the city continues to grow. This is no doubt a reflection of Mayor Tom Bates' personal commitment to health and sustainability. I remember shaking Tom's hand as he stood outside the Berkeley Bart station in the rain one winter morning last year. He's a guy that cares what you think and how you feel. We need more public officials that understand that sustainability and local living is the best way to build strong neighborhoods, create jobs, and improve our collective health.
Cris Bisch says:
Ken O. has the right idea. Wear a pedometer. Challenge yourself. For those that are not accustom to walking wherever they go and want to improve their fitness, endurance and distance, I recommend getting an inexpensive pedometer ($16) and a copy of the book Pedometer Walking: http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/book-pedometer-walking/MD9ZLT7S47Y78J73T4NIM7JUNAQI. To build up to walking the distance of a 10K, Judy Heller of Wonders of Walking lays out a simple 12-week schedule for walking your way to good health: http://www.sustainlane.com/reviews/how-to-walk-yourself-to-good-health/ICTYUJJDZPAQ9HTVFUKTQFLTRTOI.
Rob F. says:
Now that winter is here...are they any sustainable umbrellas that survive more than one storm?? This will keep me walking in the rain.
Cris Bisch says:
Hey, Rob - according to Green City Style the SENZ Windproof Umbrella is one of the best and strongest umbrellas money can buy, withstanding 70 MPH winds without turning inside out. Check it out @ http://tinyurl.com/yfvvso6.
Rob F. says:
thank you Cris!!! I will check-out the umbrella, I have a feeling it's going to be a wet winter.
Ken O. says:
Funny you mention it, I saw several broken umbrellas on the streets yesterday after our big storm...