Ride A Bike
Resources for bicycle commuting are popping up as fast as gas prices are rising. While this isn't a viable alternative for everyone, many of us can give bike riding serious consideration. Local officials and businesses are helping provide information through efforts such as GetHealthyWashoe.com / Bike To Work Day. Among other things, this site has a wealth of information about urban riding.There are plenty of other bicycling resources around the Truckee Meadows. Reno / Tahoe bike shops can provide you with the bicycles, accessories, service, and advice needed to get started and keep going. You can join a cycling club and get involved with local bicycle organizations.
About.com: Bicycling guide David Fiedler provides us with more information about bicycling and pedal-powered communting with these informative articles.
Take The Bus
The Regional Transit Commission (RTC) operates the bus system around Reno and Sparks. It also has a commuter service between Reno and Carson City and is a partner with Tahoe Area Regional Transit (TART) up at Lake Tahoe. Even though [link url=http://renotahoe.about.com/b/2008/03/24/taking-the-bus-is-going-to-cost-more.htm]fares are increasing[/link] and service is being cut back, ridership is rising. According to RTC spokesman Roger Hanson, ridership recently increased 5 to 10 percent around Washoe County, and the route between Reno and Carson City has seen a 33 percent rise since March. Here are links to learn more about RTC bus services. And if you just can't stand to be offline, RTC INTERCITY and RTC SIERRA SPIRIT buses have WiFi access.
Carpool and Vanpool
RTC operates a free carpool matching program and a vanpool program for those who prefer either of these communting alternatives.
Cars
Gas hogs of the recent past, which many of us still own (including me), have literally become too expensive to run for commuting or running errands around town. My F-250 diesel hasn't been started for months; it takes us camping a couple of times a year and that's about it. If you are in a position where getting to work requires driving your own car, or if you just prefer to do so, you might consider a vehicle that sips instead of guzzles. Here is some information to help.
Walking
Walking seems to be a concept lost somewhere in the distant past. I don't know if it's because we are always in a big hurry or have just become lazy since it's so easy not to walk anywhere. With over 300 days a year of sunshine and little rain, walking around Reno and Sparks is a feasible way to get places. I make no claims about being a world-class pedestrian, but I hoof it all over downtown Reno to visit business people, take pictures, enjoy events, and gather information for some of my About.com stories. Not only do I save money on gas and parking, I get to know the city and its people much better than I ever could from inside an idling car.
