2024 was an amazing year over at Commute Options. Check out some of our highlights!
Oregon Friendly Driver
This year Commute Options elevated the Oregon Friendly Driver program across the state as the lead program administrator. We completed the Statewide Strategic Plan and Marketing Plan, while also increasing our in person classes, upgrading our online course, and traveled to conferences across the state to present on the program.
We tracked a 141% increase in online course participation this year and added 948 Certified Oregon Friendly Drivers to our roads. Our online course had 370 participants and 29 classes were instructed. The average knowledge improvement from our courses was +20%!
Safe Routes To School
This year’s Safe Routes to School Bicycle and Pedestrian Education Program reached over 2500 students at 9 schools in Central Oregon. Through our education programs we distributed over 400 helmets to students in need. In addition, we hosted 4 Walk and Roll to School Day events throughout the Bend La Pine School District including Winter Walk + Roll to School Day, May Walk + Roll to School Day, October Walk + Roll to School Day, and Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Other program highlights include hosting a Bike Safety Assembly for middle school students and a Bike Night at William E Miller Elementary.
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Get There
In 2024, Bend City Council officially adopted the “Week Without Driving” initiative, encouraging residents to reduce their reliance on personal vehicles for one week. This new initiative is part of the broader Car Free Get There Challenge, which will run from September 16 to September 22, culminating on World Car Free Day, an annual international event focused on raising awareness about the benefits of alternative commuting options.
The response this year has been incredible, with a total of 743 participants in the challenge, collectively completing 3,001 trips, covering an impressive 21,536.1 miles. This shift away from solo driving has not only led to a healthier environment but also resulted in significant savings, with participants saving a combined total of $10,000 in commuting costs.
By adopting this new challenge and the Week Without Driving, Commute Options and Oregon aims to foster a culture of sustainability and awareness about how small changes in daily commuting can lead to lasting benefits for both individuals and the community as a whole.
Vanpool
In late 2024, our vanpool program faced a funding change, which led to a reduction in the number of vans in operation. However, by the end of the year, the program saw an uptick in new participants, resulting in a gradual increase in the number of vans on the road. In 2024, we provided vanpool services to 15 companies, helping their employees with daily commutes. In total, we served 280 individuals, reducing the number of cars on the road.
This year, we also had the opportunity to partner with Mid Columbia Economic Development District to fully subsidize two vanpools in Hood River County. Additionally, we introduced new vans for the Warm Springs community and began collaborating with Malheur Council on Aging and Community Service in to pilot a vanpool program in Malheur County.
Oregon Safe Routes to School
This year the TAP team hosted 10 statewide webinars, 4 statewide meetings and 33 regional hub meetings to provide resources and support for Safe Routes to School practitioners across the state. In addition the JumpStart program expanded their fleet to include over 400 bikes for coordinators to use for bike safety programming, continued helping coordinate walk and roll days, and developing activity kits and guides to help with the design and implementation of bicycle and pedestrian safety courses, walking school buses and much more. Oregon ranked #1 in Statewide Walk+Roll Day Participation!
