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.

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, cautious walk in winter conditions. Adding the complication of dealing with Burlington’s many inclines only makes this a greater struggle for pedestrians.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.  

Update: On December 11, 2024, April McMahon and Todd Brissette were hit by a driver while walking across the crosswalk on the eastbound I189 on-ramp along Shelburne Road. McMahon and Brissette were both seriously injured and were in critical condition as of 11 PM on December 11. We are deeply saddened by this crash and hope that both victims recover from their injuries.

To all who gave their time this year --

Thank you for volunteering with Local Motion! We had a wonderful 2024 season thanks to YOU!

As temps drop and snow begins to fall, Vermont's longest season comes to an end. Construction season, that is. Many towns across the state saw updates to their infrastructure that are designed to slow traffic and make streets safer (like Rutland's road diet).

So how can you help create safer streets in your town? Request a Pop-Up!