Smart Commute Week In Leelanau -- With A Twist

Today kicks off TART Trails annual Smarter Commute Week – though like most everything else in this pandemic-related year, it comes with a twist. For starters, it was rescheduled from its typical early June date to September. “We moved it from June due to the pandemic,” notes Janna Goethel, Annual Gifts & Special Events Coordinator for TART Trails.

And because of the coronavirus, this year’s event is virtual, which means there won’t be gatherings as in past years. “It was a huge community-based event, with a free breakfast,” says Goethel. With such large-scale gatherings deemed inappropriate, it’s up to people to participate on an individual basis. “Outdoor individual events are a safe way to continue,” she says.

Goethel also says previous years featured a competitive element. This year it’s focused on community and cooperation while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Registration and participation are free. Participants are still encouraged to log their Smarter Commute Week Challenge points on the Challenge Scorecard each day. By logging at least one point each day, participants will be entered into a prize drawing at the end of the week.

Like other years, the 2020 Virtual Smarter Commute Week promotes health by using foot power to traverse the area, whether walking, biking or similar activities. Of course, for some people that’s a matter of course. Like Laurel Evans, the Executive Assistant the Leelanau County Administrator, who commutes from her home on the west side of Traverse City to her job at the Leelanau County Government Center via her eBike. She takes the TART and Leelanau Trails on a regular basis.

That may be easier in the coming weeks (as long as it doesn’t snow). That’s because this Thursday, Sept. 24, is the TART Trail Clean Up at Suttons Bay’s Leelanau Trail Trailhead. Hosted by TART Trails and the Traverse Area Association of Realtors, volunteers will be working from 1 to 3 at the 4th Street trailhead of the Leelanau Trail in Suttons Bay. The cleanup will include the removal of netting, laying straw in place, planting Rudbeckia (the familiar deep-yellow, daisy-like flowers with a brown or black center) and other flowering plants that are good candidates for fall transplanting. Organizers suggest dressing for the weather, bringing water and snacks, and making sure you have gardening or work gloves. They also ask volunteers to wear masks and observe social distancing measures. TART Trails Ambassador Kate Thornhill will have tools and equipment available.

Smarter Commute Week 2020 takes place the same week as National Bike to Work Week and Michigan Trails Week. Goethel says that with so many people now working from home, any bike ride is eligible for inclusion as part of it. Click here to register or for further information.