Commute Fit

COMMUTE v.: to regularly travel from one place to another.

FIT adj: physically sound; healthy

Together they make Commute Fit, CommuteWorks' exercise incentive program that makes getting to work fun and healthy. Commute Fit rewards commuters who bike, walk, jog, or rollerblade to work.

When you join Commute Fit (click here for online registration), you will receive materials to help you track your healthy commuting achievements. As the miles add up, you earn incentives for your efforts!

	Benefits to walking, cycling, jogging...
	Commute Fit Program Rules
	Commute Fit Awards
	Is Cycling Right For You?
	Is Walking Right For You?
	Is Rollerblading Right For You?
	Register for the Commute Fit Program!

There are many benefits to walking, cycling, jogging or rollerblading to work. Consider these:

• Improved Health: Using your own power to commute is a great way to fit regular exercise into your hectic schedule. You will get to work on time and in a better mood, making your work day more productive.
   
• Pollution Solution: Autos are the number one source of many air pollutants. Short car trips--those that are most easily made on foot or by bike--are up to three times more polluting per mile than long trips by car. An average four mile round trip bike commute prevents nearly 15 pounds of auto air pollution from contaminating your air.
   
• Economics: Add up what you spend getting to work every day. Commuting by foot saves you parking fees, fuel costs, auto maintenance costs, and transit fares. Driving alone as little as ten miles round trip each day can cost you up to $1,000 per year.
   
• Mobility: Even the most powerful sports car crawls in congested traffic while Commute Fit members go around it! Parking a car can also be a time-consuming hassle, but you can park a bike quickly and close to your destination, and on foot there is no need to park at all!

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Commute Fit Program Rules

The goal of the program is to reduce vehicle miles traveled to and from work. Anytime you use your own muscle power for transportation you credit yourself in your achievement booklet. Credit is calculated by the mode you choose as follows:

• Walking...Credit one mile for each mile
• Jogging...Credit one mile for each mile
• Rollerblading...Credit one mile for every 1.5 miles
• Bicycling...Credit one mile for every three miles

• Convincing a fellow employee to sign up for the program…five mile credit
• Participating in any future Commute Fit event (i.e. Bike, Walk, or Blade to Work Day)…three mile credit
• Walking or jogging to work in rain or snow…double-mile credit
• Walk, jog, or skate to work when the wind chill factor is below 32 degrees…double-mile credit

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Commute Fit Awards

Level 1 25 miles	Sunglass savers -or- CommuteWorks water bottle
Level 2 50 miles	Fishnet bag -or- CommuteWorks wrist wallet
Level 3 75 miles	Marathon socks -or- Massachusetts bike maps
Level 4 100 miles	Ear Warmer -or- Bicycle tire repair kit
Level 5 200 miles	Wrist/Ankle reflectors -or- Choice of Rob Sweetgall walking books
Level 6 300 miles	Lunch tote -or- Bike, Walk, and Roll hat
Level 7 400 miles	CommuteWorks Fanny Pack -or- Bike, Walk, and Roll T-shirt
Level 8 500 miles	Electric pedometer -or- Bicycle Coalition membership

* While supplies last

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Is Cycling Right For You?

Consider your route: Boston can sometimes be an intimidating place to ride your bike. Take the time to map out a potential route that avoids highways and busy streets as much as possible. Need help? Call CommuteWorks for assistance in planning a route.

Work-site facilities: Be sure to identify your employer's bike parking and shower facilities. Many Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA) employers provide both. To find out more call CommuteWorks.

Equipment: Essential items include a sturdy bike that fits properly, a helmet, a strong lock, and a light for riding at night.

For more info on biking, take a look at MassBike Online.

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Is Walking Right For You?

How long is your commute?: If you live 5 miles or less from work, walking is a great alternative! Walking is relaxing and burns up to 350 calories per hour.

Fitness Level: Walking is suitable exercise for all ages and fitness levels, and a great way to get in shape and save the environment.

Comfort and Safety: Comfortable walking or athletic shoes are essential. In addition, you should be prepared for bad weather with a portable umbrella and raincoat. For your safety, take the time to refresh your knowledge of pedestrian traffic laws. Always observe traffic signals, cross at the crosswalk, and be observant of cars and bicyclists.

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Is Rollerblading Right For You?

Fitness Level: Rollerblading is a great way to get around and to get in shape. However, there is a level of skill required in order to master city streets and busy bike paths. Practice rollerblading on quiet residential streets before tackling your commute.

Equipment: Essential items include a pair of rollerblades fit properly to you, a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads.

Work-site facilities: Be sure to identify your employer's availability of lockers and shower facilities. Most LMA employers provide access to both. To find out more call CommuteWorks.

Register for the Commute Fit Program!

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