Making small changes in how and when you travel can impact your health, budget and happiness. Whether you move by bicycle, carpool, public transit or your own two feet, your choice to forgo traditional single-occupancy vehicle travel can help Lakewood reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Keep reading to learn more about the different alternative transportation options available in Lakewood.
Bicycling is one of the cleanest, healthiest and most efficient ways to travel. Next time you have a trip shorter than 3-5 miles, try hopping on your bike and getting in a fun workout while you commute. Bicycling and public transit can be combined for longer trips with bike storage available on all RTD transit vehicles. Track your cycling trips on My Way to Go and get entered to win fun prizes each month.
Check out our bicycling webpage to learn more about bicycling in Lakewood, and don’t forget your bike lock, safety lights and helmet!
Joining another driver who travels in the same direction saves you money on both fuel and maintenance and makes everyone’s commute smoother by taking another car off the road. Some businesses even have designated priority parking and other incentives for carpools. Need help finding a carpool buddy? Register with Way to Go to be matched with someone on your route.
If you’ve ever found yourself needing help getting your kids to school, or if you just want to add some variety and extra social time to their day, consider organizing or joining a “schoolpool” through Way to Go. A schoolpool shares the responsibility of getting kids to and from school safely, whether by carpooling, walking, biking or riding the bus together. Visit the Way to Go schoolpool website to see if your school already participates and get connected with other families in your neighborhood.
Lakewood is served by a network of RTD bus routes and the West Rail Line. You can plan your next trip by bus and light rail using the RTD Trip Planner, or just choose transit as your mode of travel next time you pull up directions on Google Maps or Apple Maps. RTD buses and trains are all wheelchair-friendly and have bike storage for any multi-modal commutes.
Did you know you can purchase transit tickets and passes on your phone? Skip the hassle of counting change as you enter a bus; purchase tickets ahead of time using the RTD Tickets mobile app, or select public transit on your Uber or Lyft app and buy tickets there. Ask your employer if they have any commuting benefits such as discounted or free EcoPasses for their employees.
Is it time for a new vehicle? Consider choosing an electric vehicle (EV) as a cleaner and potentially cheaper option for your new ride. Going all-electric is the easiest way to make your transportation habits more sustainable without any substantial lifestyle changes, and with EVs and chargers becoming more and more common nationwide, there’s never been a better time to make the switch.
Don’t know where to start, or just want to know more? Visit Drive Electric Colorado to find everything you need to know about financial incentives, charging, and types of EVs (including electric bikes) that are available in Colorado.