Names: Karen, Jon, Bailey, and Micah
Occupations: Stay-at-home mom and doctoral student, machinist, student, and baby
Employer: Walden University, Arrow Manufacturing, SOTA
Gets Around By: Electric Car, Walking, Biking, and Long Board
1. Where do you live and where to you work? We live in the North Slope District. Jon commutes to Auburn, but it costs us only pennies because we have an electric car.
2. How do you get there? Jon takes our electric car to work. Bailey rides the bus to school and takes the Link in between classes. Karen walks to the co-op or yoga during the day while wearing Micah. Bailey also long boards to local shops and we take our tandem bike out together on the weekends.
3. How does it all add up? How much money or time do you save? Our electic bill did not even increase when we bought our I-MIEV. We traded in a Denali, so we save about $800 a month is gas. Bailey uses his Orca card and long board to get around, which is much cheaper than a car, gas, and insurance!
4. What’s in it for you? Our main goal is to lessen our carbon footprint. That is why we usually walk, bike, or long board for trips around town. We are lucky to live close to groceries, parks, and entertainment. We love being a part of this community and stopping to chat with neighbors on the way. We frequent farmer’s markets (we can walk/ride to 3 from our house), the Tacoma Food Co-op, Wright Park, and Source Yoga weekly, plus we attend lots of local festivals, events, and restaurants. We also enjoy the financial and health benefits.
5. Do you have any tips for people who might be trying this mode for the first time? Electric car – take the plunge and do it!!!! Link – it is a great way to get to downtown locations quickly and efficiently! Walking – your feet can take you almost anywhere and you often get an adventure on the way. Babywearing – this is a great way to bond with your baby, get exercise, get your baby to sleep/calm a fussy baby, show your baby the city without over-stimulating them, and improve thermal regulation when out and about. Long boarding and biking – where a helmet and take your time (watch for traffic!) Bus – plan your route.