Please share this information with co-workers, employees, &/or building tenants.

In this issue:

• Commuting Strategies during the Republican National Convention & Civic Fest
• Commuter Connection Resource Store Open House
• ABC Ramps Host Bicycle Commuter Fair
• Bike to the Twins Game & Receive 2-for-1 Tickets! ($20 value)

Commuting Strategies for the
Republican National Convention & Civic Fest

Get Ready for Go Time!

When the Republican National Convention comes to town from August 29th through September 4th, Twin Citizens across the metro area will have a chance to show the world our commuter culture. Commuter choice creates more convenient travel during crunch times, is good for our economy, and is more environmentally responsible. These are our civic values, and we can be proud.

Think ahead by developing an alternative commute strategy for this important week. Employers are in a key position to make a positive impact during this exciting time. Show your employees how much you care by supporting them as they get to and from work:

• Hosting a commuter fair is a great, easy way to encourage everyone to think about how they can get around.
• We'll do the work for you by helping your employees develop alternative plans, answering their questions, and supporting people who want to try transit or biking for the first time.

A number of alternative modes can provide a short-term solution that will keep everyone on the go when the going gets rough. You might promote one easy option, such as earlier or later start times, or a nexus of several simple strategies, like biking and walking to work from the periphery and using transit. Keep these alternatives at the ready and reap the rewards of more efficient and relaxed employees:

• Try Flexible Work Schedules that allow employees to shift their travel times outside the peak ranges of 6 - 9 a.m. and 3 - 6 p.m.
• Remind them that Biking or Walking to the Core can save valuable time and be a relaxing part of their day.
• Use Transit. Take advantage of park and ride lots along your route and consider biking to a lot to save parking spaces.
• Encourage everyone to Share the Ride by carpooling for one week.
• Telework is a great way for employees to avoid the rush by working from home.

The Downtown Minneapolis TMO is here to help you develop your plan. We have the resources available to support you as you work with your employees. Check our web site, www.mplstmo.org/rnc, frequently in the coming weeks for updates and valuable transportation links. You will find helpful periphery parking maps for bikes, recommendations for commute plans, and great links to transportation information.

All this planning doesn't have to take up your time. We provide customized commute plans for your company with quick on-site consultations, commuter fairs, and more. Let the TMO do the work for you -we'll provide you with the materials and resources you need to help your employees plan ahead. Contact us for more details at (612) 370-3987 or visit www.mplstmo.org!

Commuter Connection Open House

Tuesday, August 19
10 am to 5 pm
220 South Sixth Street
Suite 230 - Skyway Level Overlooking Sixth Street

Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Commuter Connection Open House

1. Get help creating a back-up commute plan to avoid anticipated congestion during the Republican National Convention & Civic Fest.
2. Learn how to take your bike on the bus with a life-size demonstration model of the bike rack on all metro area buses.
3. Get help planning a commute by bus or bike.
4. Pick up a transit schedule.
5. FREE Popcorn!
6. Learn about how to get 55% of your vanpool costs paid for by the Metropolitan Council's Van-Go! program.
7. Pick up a FREE skyway map with walking routes & distances.
8. Learn about the Guaranteed Ride Home program for people who commute by means other than driving alone.
9. Learn about Bike2Benefits, a free regional bicycle commuting incentive program.
10. Get more out of life! Most commuters spend two weeks of their life every year in their cars - all alone. Why not explore some ways to add some spice to your commute? Get a library card and use your commute to explore new literary worlds. Get on your bike and rejoice in the summer sun. Put on your walking shoes, get off the bus early, and let the birds serenade you on your way home. Find a carpool partner, expand your social time, and share gas and parking costs. Take the money you'll save and treat yourself to something special! And while you're at it, don't forget the FREE Popcorn!

ABC Ramps Host Bicycle Commuter Fair

ABC Ramps host Bike Commuter Fair for potential bike commuters to learn about bike safety, routes and options during the Republican National Convention.

The upcoming Republican National Convention (RNC) has downtown commuters concerned about an increase in traffic and congestion. This, along with the continual increase in fuel costs, are causing commuters to look at alternative routes and methods of getting to work, including carpooling, transit and bicycling. In an effort to raise awareness about bike commuting, ABC Ramps and the City of Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors will host a Bike Commuter Fair on Wednesday, August 13 from 6:30 to 10 a.m. in the Ramp A skyway.

"A key reason many people have not taken advantage of bike commuting is their lack of comfort with the concept," says Mike Sachi, Minneapolis Parking and Skyway Systems Engineer. "Our goal for this event is to raise awareness and provide people with the tools to ensure the safest, most convenient options are available to them."

The event will provide information on a wide variety of topics, including: bike safety and maintenance, rules of the road, suggested routes and maps, parking locations and commuting ideas during the RNC. The City of Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors will be available to answer questions and the Downtown Minneapolis Transportation Management Organization (TMO) will demonstrate how to use the bike racks available on all Metro Transit buses.

ABC Ramps are located in the downtown Minneapolis warehouse district. With direct access to Interstates 394 and 94 and the skyway system, ABC Ramps are multi-modal facilities and an ideal parking solution for downtown Minneapolis commuters. The ramps provide secure, convenient and affordable parking options for cars, motorcycles, scooters, and non-motorized bicycles. In addition to bike parking, bike lockers, shower facilities and nearby access to the Cedar Lake Bike Trail and downtown Minneapolis bike lanes are also available to bicyclists. For more information, visit www.abc-ramps.com.

The Bike Walk Ambassadors are managed by the City of Minneapolis as part of the Bike/Walk Twin Cities initiative, an exciting program that is helping more people start bicycling and walking in the Twin Cities. The initiative, administered by Transit for Livable Communities, is part of the federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Project, which aims to get more people bicycling and walking by 2010. Visit http://bikewalktwincities.org for more information.

Bike to the Twins Game!

Saturday, August 16 @ 2:55 PM

Take advantage of this beautiful Minnesota summer and ride your bike to the Metrodome! Watch the Minnesota Twins take on the Seattle Mariners on Saturday, August 16. FREE bike corral parking on the Metrodome Plaza and 2 for 1 Twins tickets will be available to attendees (a $20 value)! The event is hosted by ABC Ramps, the Minnesota Twins, Dero Bike Racks and the City of Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors.

This inexpensive, fun event is great for the whole family. Take your bike out to the ball game!

Visit abc-ramps.com for more information.

This event is for non-motorized bicycles only.