News

Actions

‘Smart Trips’ helps commuters take advantage of alternate transit

Posted at 4:33 PM, Apr 12, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-12 20:45:53-04

SALT LAKE CITY - The new TRAX and bike lanes on North Temple are expected to dramatically change the way commuters will get through Salt Lake City. A city-sponsored program is designed to help people take full advantage of the new transportation options.

City-sponsored Smart Trips is designed to help people reduce their environmental impact and take advantage of alternate transportation options. Every year, they focus on one neighborhood, and this year's focus is on the Fairpark area of west Salt Lake City.

"It's really important that people be creative about their transportation options to make it just as easy to take public transportation or actively walk or ride your bike," said Sarah Rose Tannenbaum, program coordinator for Smart Trips.

Mark Kennedy, who rides his bike to work every day, thinks a lot more people will start doing the same thanks to the new Airport TRAX line.

"I've worked on North Temple and my business is downtown nearby and I think this is a great asset to the city," Kennedy said. "A lot of bicyclists come to Utah to ride, bike touring and bike camping. This is will provide them a way to get from the airport into the city without having to hire a taxi or get a ride."

North Temple is now a "complete street," meaning it is designed for all types of commuters.

"We consider all modes considered what they street would look like. We have lots of avenues for pedestrians, great bike amenities, a great bike corridor and cars," said Stan Penfold, City Councilman for District 3. "The idea is when we create streets in the city we have all kinds of opportunities for people."

For more on the Smart Trips program, visit www.slcgov.com/slcgreen/smarttrips.