Carrying the Torch Through Memphis: A Look Into Commute Options

Memphis, an urban landscape known for its vibrant music history and rich cultural heritage, has been gradually embracing more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation alternatives. With traffic congestion and pollution on the rise, looking for better ways to commute is a necessity. This necessity has given rise to Commute Options, an innovative program aimed at encouraging the citizens of Memphis to consider greener and healthier modes of travel such as ridesharing, biking and walking.

Bringing Light to Commute Alternatives

Commute Options is an initiative of Innovate Memphis, a Memphis-based civic innovation firm. It serves as a hub for Memphians to explore different commute options other than the traditional single-occupancy vehicle. Nikki Dildine, the Commute Options Schools Program Manager, shed more light about the program and what it aims to achieve in Memphis and beyond.

From Employers to Schools: The Evolution of Commute Options

Commute Options was launched in 2017 as an employer-based program with the objective of encouraging employees to switch to more sustainable modes of commuting like public transit, biking, and walking. Employers were coached on how to incentivize this strategy, prompting a gradual shift away from the over-reliance on individual car usage. However, the objective evolved and by 2023, the focus shifted to schools. The aim became to encourage more students to adopt walking and biking for their school commutes through greater community involvement and education.

Enhancing Community Engagement

To bolster community participation, Commute Options launched the Walking School Buses, a concept wherein students commute to school in groups via defined routes, supervised by adult volunteers. This approach not only guarantees the safety of the children but also fosters a sense of community among the residents. Individuals interested in getting involved can start a Walking School Bus at their child’s school by coordinating with Commute Options and their school administration.

Fundraisers and Notable Events

Commute Options regularly promotes events like the annual National Walk & Roll to School Day and National Bike & Roll to School Day. These events showcase the significant role that local businesses and volunteers play in enhancing the safety and sustainability of student commutes. Interested parties can reach out to Commute Options for assistance in planning these events at their schools.

A Future for Sustainable Commuting in Memphis

In the short term, Commute Options aims to expand the Walking School Bus program, tapping into the potential of more schools and communities. In the long term, however, the aspiration is much larger. As Dildine puts it, the ultimate vision is “a shift in people’s mentality” towards commuting, characterized by fewer vehicles on the road, and a stronger preference for walking, biking, and public transportation.

Dildine herself transitioned from the financial sector back to education, driven by her passion for making a difference in the community. Through her work with Commute Options, she has the chance to influence not just students and educators, but also local government and community organizations, creating a broader impact on transportation in Memphis.

Find out more about Commute Options and support their cause for a greener Memphis by visiting their website at www.commuteoptionsmemphis.com.