Let’s make this May about staying active and helping the environment with the May in Motion initiative! This program encourages everyone to take a break from their usual routines, get moving, and make eco-friendly transportation choices—a win-win for all participants.
May in Motion is a project in Boise, Idaho, held each May to promote smart commuting. It aims to encourage alternative transportation methods to address the problems caused by over 200,000 solo commuters. This heavy traffic wastes gas, money, and time, and it leads to road wear, air pollution, and community costs.
Throughout May, the project addresses these traffic issues and raises awareness about other commuting options. And it’s not just Boise—these principles can be applied worldwide, benefiting the environment and us.
Finding alternative ways to commute, like biking, walking, carpooling, or using public transport, is great for both the environment and your wallet. Transportation is a major contributor to climate change, with road transportation accounting for 75% of global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels. Even if you can’t bike or walk to work, carpooling or using public transportation a few times a week can save money on gas and reduce pollution.
The May in Motion initiative isn’t just about environmental perks; it’s also about health benefits. While Boise’s program focuses on smart commuting, everyone can set their own goals, making May in Motion about finding new ways to commute, staying active year-round, and supporting similar projects in their own cities. Choosing fuel-efficient vehicles, engaging in outdoor activities, and participating in community programs are principles from May in Motion that can be applied anywhere.
Your town might not have a May in Motion program, but it likely has something similar. Many cities have bike programs to promote healthier living and transportation alternatives. Bike-sharing systems, whether through bike libraries or kiosks, aim to foster community, support active lifestyles, and protect the environment.
If your community lacks a bike program, think about the benefits of biking for you and your family. Go on bike rides, explore other commuting options, and stay aware of the issues related to sedentary lifestyles and pollution. You can start a bike program within your own household.
Making May in Motion your own means finding ways that fit your lifestyle. With the arrival of spring and nicer weather, it’s the perfect time for outdoor activities. If you have regular date nights, try something active this May. Walk to a park for a picnic, ride bikes at sunset, or try swimming or fishing.
Get your family involved and turn May into a month of active living, potentially extending these habits throughout the year. Use your bike for nearby trips, go hiking, rent canoes on weekends, or collect rocks for a DIY project. The goal is not necessarily strenuous exercise but promoting an active lifestyle and appreciating the outdoors.
May in Motion can be more than a one-month initiative. Make every month an opportunity for activity with themes like Jump in January, Marathon March, Swim in September, Adventure in August, or simply spend more time outdoors in spring. Activities don’t have to follow a strict pattern—try anything from snowboarding in February to rock climbing in July. The point is to keep moving and enjoy the outdoors.
Being active doesn’t require hitting the gym every day—try new activities that interest you: paddle boarding, hiking, or anything else you find fun. These activities can be done solo, with a partner, or in groups, making it easy to create an adventure that suits you.
May in Motion promotes a balanced approach to transportation, blending active commuting, public transit, and driving. This initiative benefits the environment, encourages community engagement, and helps maintain a healthy community.
Even if you can’t bike to work daily or spend weekends mountain biking, reducing car trips and adding more active pursuits can make a difference. Let’s all strive to be more active and eco-friendly! Stay active, everyone!