We’re just over halfway through King County Metro’s Burien In Motion program—sign up before October 10 for information on different transportation options, including an ORCA card good for two weeks’ unlimited bus and light rail travel, and other perks, like a pedometer to track your walking distance and entry into weekly drawing for gift certificates from local businesses.
“Once you’re walking,” says Maureen Hoffmann, “there are lots of places to go. It gives me such pleasure to leave my home, walk to town, stop to see neighbors—if nothing else, just do it for the fun of it!” Hoffmann, president of WABI Burien, has joined Discover Burien and the B-Town Blog as Metro’s partners on the Burien In Motion program. “We want people to find out how quick it really is to run errands in town on foot or by bike. Leave the car parked and take a walk into town. Grab your bike helmet and go on two wheels instead of four.”
Many Burien residents are taking her advice: over 300 people have signed up with King County Metro’s Burien In Motion program and swapped nearly 1000 drive-alone trips for healthier and more sustainable options. That adds up to 113,000 calories burned during walking and biking trips, plus nine and half tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided.
“My wife and I share only one vehicle,” says Conrad Habijan, who takes the bus to his watchmaking school on weekdays. “At first, I lamented not having the funds to support the decision for another vehicle, but over time I came to appreciate the service and accessibility of the bus system: avoiding traffic, having the opportunity to sleep on the bus when I might otherwise be too tired to drive effectively, have the chance to meet new friends or see current ones along the route, or simply to relax and know that I am in the hands of well-trained, professional drivers who take pride in getting us to our destination safely. Now I am happy to say that I cherish the metro system, and hope that it continues to both function and grow.”
FREE Bike Safety Inspections & Tote Bags at the Farmer’s Market, Sept. 18
Sign up with the Burien In Motion program online at kingcounty.gov/inmotion, or stop by the In Motion tent at the Burien Farmer’s Market on September 18 to chat with Burien In Motion and King County Metro staff about how to get around by bus, bike, foot, or ridesharing. Mechanics from Burien Cycle will be on hand to provide FREE safety inspections for your bike. Plus, you’ll receive a FREE In Motion tote bag to carry all the goodies that you pick up at the market.
If you’ve signed up already be sure to track your trips, so that you, don’t miss out on chances to win gift certificates from local businesses including the Mark Restaurant & Bar, the Aussie Pie Company, the Burien Farmer’s Market, Start Fresh Market, Serenza Salon & Spa, Three Tree Wellness and Bison Creek Pizza – not to mention putting yourself into the running for the Burien In Motion Grand Prize: six months free at CrossFit Burien plus one free lunch each week for a year from Maven Meals.
