News: Local Motion Updates and Blogs

Survey: 2025 Burlington Election Candidates

Local Motion, the Burlington Walk/Bike Council, and Old Spokes Home are excited to provide the Burlington community with insight into 2025 city council candidates' positions on key issues related to transportation. 

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2024 Impact Report

2024 was Local Motion's 25th Anniversary and another fantastic year. Check out our Impact Report for a by-the-numbers summary of all of our services and programs.

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Learning from Fort Collins

Bringing Safe Routes to School Innovations to Vermont

This past October, I attended the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) National Conference in Fort Collins, Colorado. The experience was both energizing and inspiring—not just from the innovative practices I saw but also from recognizing how Vermont is unique but still shares so many common challenges and successes with other states.

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Bike Fashion and Functionality

When I teach commuter bike workshops I say, “The most important thing about riding is that you look good on your bike!” I’m joking, but there is a kernel of truth in the statement.

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Commuting on Foot in the Winter

Walking through a city during the winter comes with its own set of challenges. Burlington is no different. Icy, snowy, and slushy sidewalks along with the cold weather make getting around more complicated than during other seasons. What might be a simple stroll in milder weather can quickly become a slow, slushy, icy ramp onto a sidewalkcautious walk in winter conditions. Adding the complication of dealing with Burlington’s many inclines only makes this a greater struggle for pedestrians.

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New Board Members at Local Motion

Local Motion, Vermont’s statewide bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization, has two new board members: Alice Charkes and Mark Anders.

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Does Biking Make a Difference?

Let’s talk about getting around in a city like Burlington. Many of us take what can be the easiest and most obvious option by hopping in the car. But have you ever thought about what swapping that car for a bike could mean not just the planet, but potentially your wallet? Biking or walking through the city is a daily reality for many commuters. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average car emits about 400 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. Over the course of a year, that’s roughly 4.6 metric tons of CO2 for a typical vehicle driving 11,500 miles. Now, imagine replacing even a fraction of those miles with biking and the impact that could have. Some may think that an inconsequential amount but as many of us have learned, those small numbers can add up quickly.

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Basic Mechanics for the Non-Mechanically Inclined

I am not a mechanically inclined person. I can do a few basic bike maintenance tasks and I can change a tire, but if anything else goes wrong I bring my bikes to a bike shop. My current bike mechanic is Dan Hock. I have known him for many years and I trust him. Establishing a good relationship with a bike shop is essential, especially if you don’t have bike repair or maintenance skills. You should be comfortable talking to the bike shop staff and you should never feel as if they are condescending or dismissive. When you consult with a mechanic they should be able to tell you what they think is wrong, the options for fixing it and how much it will cost. The vast majority of bike mechanics are great people! If something is not working on your bike it is better to bring it in sooner than later. Waiting until the bike does not function at all will make the repair more costly and time consuming. I am always happy to pay my mechanic for the work he does. Bike repairs are almost always much cheaper than any repair you might need for a car.

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Vermont's Community Bike Shops

Vermont is lucky to have a rich array of bicycle shops across our state, and we love them all. Three shops, however, hold a unique distinction as community-based non-profit organizations - The Bike Hub in Bennington, BF Community Bike Project in Bellows Falls, and Old Spokes Home in Burlington. Over the past year and a half, I’ve visited each of these organizations as part of my ongoing orientation as Local Motion’s new-ish Executive Director.

 

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Walking for Fitness

Walking is an ideal fitness option for Seniors. It requires little special equipment and it is low impact. You can walk alone, with a friend or with a group. You can go for a walk almost anywhere. Like riding a bicycle, walking can be both recreational and practical. If you are going on an errand, think about walking part way instead of driving.  

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Featured Events


Winter Bike to Work & School Day

Friday, February 14, 2025 at 08:00 AM
The Booth House in Burlington, VT

We are celebrating year round biking as part of International Bike to Work Day. Come check out the home of UVM Bike's Co-op. Step inside... More Details


2025 Spring National Walk & Roll to School Day

Wednesday, May 07, 2025 at 08:00 AM

Local Motion promotes Spring Walk & Roll to School Days from April to May, with National Walk & Roll to School Day on May 7,... More Details

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