What do a deputy fire marshal, a police corporal, a human resources analyst and an engineer have in common? They are among 23 City employees who have pledged to reduce drive-alone commuting by participating in King County’s The Green Bike Project. The program requires that participants bicycle to work for at least 60 percent of their total commute times from August through mid-November and mid-February to the end of May. Participants can choose to receive a specially branded bicycle or have their personal bicycle tuned up. At the end of the project, participants who fulfill their pledge will earn sole ownership of their green bike, or if the participant opted for a tune up of their existing bike, be entered into a drawing for a $1,000 REI gift card.

“Our level of participation reflects the commitment of Kirkland as an employer to reduce its collective carbon footprint,” notes Dave Ramsay, City Manager. “Kirkland’s employees take great pride in participating in these sustainability efforts.” Employee participation is part of the City’s Commute Trip Reduction Program.

Most employees participating chose to do so because of the health and exercise benefits, the savings on their vehicle gas bills and feeling like they are doing their part to “go green.” One employee commutes 30 miles round trip from Beacon Hill; another rides 20 roundtrip miles from Lake Forest Park. Several employees combine transit with bicycling.

Businesses within Kirkland that are interested in developing commute trip reduction programs are encouraged to contact the City of Kirkland Public Works Department at 425-587-3869 or King County Department of Transportation at 206-684-1008.

For more information about the Green Bike Project, go to www.kingcounty.gov and search “The Green Bike Project.”