Curb The Car (Bike to Work) Day

The following page contains information and events to put some spring in your commute this May. May is Bike Month, but more than that, it's a time when we celebrate all forms of commuting that get you out of your car: biking, walking, bussing, carpooling, and more. What new work or errand commute will you try - bike, foot, bus, carpool? 

Below are some upcoming events of interest:

Curb Your Car Day Celebration - Put some Spring in your Commute this May

Get Your Steps, Spins—and Input—In!

Lebanon is joining communities across NH to encourage and celebrate bicycling, as well as other people-powered and ride-sharing forms of transportation for Bike Month May 2023. We have several special events and offerings, so please join us!

May 3, 2023 - Bike/Walk/Roll to School Day

This youth/family event is celebrated nationwide and Lebanon elementary schools are having events on May 3rd (Hanover Street School) and May 5th (Mount Lebanon School). Contact your school for more information.

May 19, 2023, 7:00-8:30am - Bike-to-Work Day

This community-wide event is for all who live/work/recreate in Lebanon. We will celebrate Bike-to-Work Day (“Curb the Car Day”) in Colburn Park with refreshments, bike checks by Omer & Bob’s, information, and good company. Friends of the Northern Rail Trail will also have a table set up at the Spencer Street access. All who are getting around that day by bike, foot, bus, carpool, etc. are welcome, and we hope to see you there! For more information, to set up a business/nonprofit table, or to sponsor food/swag, contact marie.m.mccormick@gmail.com. 

May 2023 - CommuteSmart NH Annual Spring Challenge

Join a rewarding ongoing event! Participants earn points for every non-single-occupancy-vehicle-trip they take (bike, walk, transit, carpool, telecommute, compressed work week) and can redeem those points for discounts at various businesses across the state. It's also a useful tool for ridematching throughout the year--whether you're seeking people to carpool with or a bike buddy to commute with. There is also a fun workplace challenge. Sign up today!

What can your workplace do to participate?

If you’re an employer or similar organization looking for promotional materials, check out this fantastic National Bike Month Guide, including bike bingo and helpful resources. 

Examples of what workplaces can do, whether with many options or even smaller incentives, here are some ideas from Dartmouth Health (formerly known as DHMC)! 

• DH has an online wellness portal that gives employees access to well-being activities, programs, and resources. Earn points for participating and engaging in programs and activities to be eligible to be entered into quarterly drawings. Consider participating in the Bike and Walk to Work event to commute green, get physical and earn your points!
• DH is also posting "Bike & Walk to Work Week" and bike rack location map flyers to encourage participation.
• Workplaces can also get involved by organizing group walk-bike lunch breaks or commutes and offering bike-share equipment; one newer option is e-bikes, which DH is doing a pilot loan program with this August. 
• Get creative with incentives! As another idea, copy one of many walk-bike bingo cards that are online, and here are some other workplace tips specific to Bike Month from the League of American Bicyclists. 

Curb the Car Day Goals:

• Reduce traffic congestion in the City
• Meet more neighbors
• Get your bike pumped and checked 
• Enjoy some recreation/exercise for the day
• Save money (these modes including the bus are free)!
• Benefit from cleaner air
• Have an immediate impact - more of your footprints means a lower community carbon footprint too

For more information about Curb the Car Day, or to volunteer and help sponsor events with time, prizes, or food in Lebanon, please contact Rebecca Owens at rebecca.owens@lebanonnh.gov.