Why Fall Is a Great Time to Change Up Your Commute
Fall is all about changing routines. The days get shorter, the weather shifts (El Niño, please be kind), the kids are busy at school, and the pumpkin spice is once again…everywhere. As you settle into those seasonal routines, leave room to try something new.
Whether you’re hoping to spend less at the gas pump, get a little more movement into your day, or simply make your commute feel less stressful, fall is a great time to try a different way of getting around Carlsbad. Here are a few options to consider.
Share the ride and the costs
If driving is still the most practical way to get to work, you don’t necessarily have to do it alone.
Carpooling lets you split some of the costs of commuting (gas prices are the spookiest part of the whole season) and takes more cars off the road. Depending on your route, carpooling may also give you access to HOV lanes, helping you bypass some congestion and make better use of the time you already spend commuting.
Not ready to carpool every day? You don’t have to. Even sharing the ride once or twice a week can be an easy way to test out a different routine without completely changing your schedule. If you need help finding a carpool buddy—we have a tool for that!
Take advantage of cooler days
Southern California sunshine is great, but biking or walking during the hottest part of the year isn't always appealing or practical. Cooler fall temperatures can make active commuting a lot more comfortable.
If your entire commute is too far to walk or bike, think smaller. Could you bike to a transit stop? Walk for one leg of your trip? Ride your bike to work one day a week? Combining modes is a great way to add activity without having to make your whole commute human-powered.
Fall can also be a good time to give transit another look. Instead of focusing on traffic, you can use the ride to read, catch up on a podcast, answer a few messages, or just take a breather before or after the workday.
Make the time change a safety reminder
Shorter days also mean more commuting in low-light or dark conditions. Whatever mode you choose, make visibility part of your fall routine.
If you're walking or biking, wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights when visibility is low. Bicyclists should make sure their front and rear lights are ready for darker morning and evening trips. Pedestrians can also carry or wear a light to make themselves easier to see.
And if you're behind the wheel, remember that people walking or biking can be harder to spot after dark. Slow down, pay extra attention around intersections and crosswalks, and take an extra moment to look for people before turning.
Get rewarded for changing up your commute
Trying a different commute can come with a few extra perks, too. When you walk, bike, take transit, carpool, or use other commute options, log your trips through the Carlsbad Commuter platform to earn Commute Perks rewards. It’s an easy way to turn the trips you’re already taking into rewards, while giving you a little extra motivation to keep that new fall commute going.
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