August 11, 2014 · Exit133

Stadium in Motion

A new project is taking on the challenge of encouraging Tacoma residents to get out of their cars and use other means of transportation. The "In Motion" program will promote active transportation and provide information and resources on transit routes, bike and pedestrian routes, and bike safety.

In Motion is a program created to help people get to work or school, run errands or travel to their favorite places by foot, bike or bus.These travel options generally save money and are healthier than getting into a car for every need. It is often surprising how much less time it takes to get to neighborhood shops, restaurants and parks by bike, by walking or by bus than people think. The In Motion program works to inspire people to try out these other modes. If you live in Stadium and are interested in participating in Stadium In Motion, take our survey here.

By getting people out of their cars and walking and biking around their neighborhoods, the program aims to improve community engagement, support local businesses, and improve health of residents. "In Motion" is a program of the City of Tacoma, funded by a federal Congestion, Mitigation and Air Quality grant.

Tacoma's In Motion program began this summer with a focus on the Stadium District, one of the more walkable neighborhoods in Tacoma. Stadium in Motion has been promoting resources, and partnering with local groups to spread its message. They've negotiated deals with local businesses - like 10% off your bill at the Harmon Hub or Tap Room when you walk, bike, or bus to the bar.

Stadium in Motion will be partnering with the Tacoma Runners on their upcoming run from Shake Shake Shake on Thursday, August 21, and organizing a bike ride from the Stadium District to the Proctor Farmers' Market on Saturday, August 23. Keep up with Stadium in Motion on Facebook or follow them on Twitter at @StadiumInMotion.

Who's ready to leave the car at home and get a little exercise? And which neighborhood should be next for an In Motion campaign?

Filed under: Transportation, Walkable Tacoma, Biking, Neighborhoods, Stadium, Transit

10 comments

Karen August 11, 2014

...and bike safety."? How about bike safety and then maybe bike tabs issued after a bike safety course. You want cars to share the road? Then share the cost for your very special, expensive lanes.
- Chris August 12, 2014
  
  Trillions of public and private dollars have been spent on transportation for cars. Did you know a single parking space in a structure can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars? You can build several miles of bike lanes for that one parking space. Bike lanes tend to be pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things.
  - Sid August 12, 2014
    
    Not at the price of what that trail is costing us downtown. Biking is a choice, just like driving an electric car. There are many people that can't ride a bike. Don't drink too much of the kool- Aid there Chris. I think biking is great, but I am not going to be an elitist about it. There is plenty of room for people to do both.
    - RHTCCComedyfan August 12, 2014
      
      There are also many people whom assume they can't ride a human powered vehicle like a bicycle because of balance problems,poor physical conditioning or other disability.For those with balance problems there are recumbent trikes,velomobiles or even adult trikes (usually inexpensive).For poor physical conditioning and heart problems electric assisted bikes or electric bike motor kits come into play.One great new hybrid human/electric powered vehicle is the Organic Transit ELF Solar or plug in charged electric cargo Velomobile (bike car).They even have an ELF owner whose doctor told her she would never walk again from what I've read (she is using it for rehabilitation and transportation).There are likely even bike type vehicles that are hand/armed powered for those without the use of their legs/feet. Also for people whom assume one can't ride often in the rain there is wearable rain gear like bike rain capes and myself I own a Veltop attachment which has a windshield and top/side cover like a convertable car so one doesn't get wet (though not advisable for use in heavy winds)
    - NameMark Codispoti August 13, 2014
      
      The ridiculously high priced trail you site downtown an anomaly due to location, political tug-o-wars and the players involved. Not a representative sample to site; more an alarmist's approach.
    - Xeno August 14, 2014
      
      The Prairie line trail cost the city the equivalent of restructuring 1 city block, the rest being grant dollars. It is a cheap project in the grand scheme of things of beautifying our city and accommodating downtown bike traffic. Driving a car is as much a choice as riding a bike.
Garrett August 11, 2014

I'm looking forward to a little more focus on non-car based transportation, taking Tacoma into the future. Hopefully this will be a great way to promote more cycling into downtown, etc. This program, along with Downtown On the Go.
Dave August 13, 2014

Well said - most (not all) cyclists also happen to own a car, and thus pay for tabs too.
Jim C August 14, 2014

City of Tacoma: Let's Talk About Walking "Did you know you can walk places? You can even ride a bike if you'd like of course, you'll probably drive because it's easier."
Kristina August 14, 2014

Thank you, Matt! Well-said.