This May, let’s embrace movement and sustainability with the May in Motion initiative! Designed to help us unplug and protect the environment while staying active, this program is a win-win for everyone involved.
Originating in Boise, Idaho, May in Motion promotes smart commuting by encouraging alternatives to solo driving. With over 200,000 solo commuters, the city faces increased traffic, wasted fuel, road damage, and air pollution. This initiative aims to reduce these issues by raising awareness and offering better commuting options.
But May in Motion isn’t just for Boise—it’s a concept that can be adopted anywhere. Choosing alternative transportation like biking, walking, carpooling, or public transit benefits both the environment and your wallet. Transportation contributes 23% of global CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels, with road travel making up 75% of that. Even small changes, like carpooling a few times a week, can make a big difference.
Beyond environmental benefits, staying active improves personal health. While Boise’s program emphasizes smart commuting, individuals can tailor their own goals—exploring new ways to move, supporting local initiatives, and staying active year-round.
Even if your town lacks a formal program, many cities offer bike-sharing systems or similar efforts to promote healthy, eco-friendly lifestyles. If not, start small at home. Go on family bike rides, explore new commuting options, and raise awareness about the downsides of inactivity and pollution.
Make May in Motion your own. If commuting alternatives aren’t feasible, adapt the idea to your lifestyle. Take advantage of spring weather—turn date nights into active outings, like picnics in the park, sunset bike rides, or lakeside adventures.
Get the whole family involved. Use May as a launchpad for year-round activity—bike to nearby spots, hike, canoe, or collect beach rocks for DIY projects. Outdoor activity isn’t about intense workouts; it’s about embracing movement and nature.
May in Motion can inspire year-round themes: Jump into January, Marathon March, Swim in September, or Adventure in August. Or skip the alliteration—snowboard in February, rock climb in July. The goal is to stay active and engaged with the outdoors.
You don’t need a gym membership or a runner’s mindset. Try something new—alone, with a partner, or as a group. Mix and match themes and activities to create your own adventure. Personally, Paddle Boarding June sounds like a perfect plan.
At its core, May in Motion promotes a balance of active transport, public transit, and smart driving. It supports the environment, builds community, improves transportation systems, and boosts public health.
Even if you can’t bike to work daily or hit the trails every weekend, one less car trip and one more active outing each week can make a meaningful impact. Keep moving and stay active!
