WELCOME TO THE CHERRIOTS TRIP CHOICE NAVIGATOR
Winter 2017 - 2018
Cherriots Trip Choices’ mission is to empower people to navigate their communities in ways that improve livability and quality of life. We do this by providing information about making healthy transportation choices and encouraging the use of carpooling, vanpooling, walking, bicycling, and using public transportation.
CHERRIOTS TRIP CHOICE ANNUAL REPORT
Each year we gather information, photos and stories that help to tell our story and publish them into our annual report.

Please take a moment to read about our activities over the past year and gain some insight into our plans for the future.

Oregon's Transportation System Needs Your Input!

Please click  HERE and take a few minutes to complete Oregon's first statewide Transportation Options Survey!   Your participation will  help inform future transportation investments  in your community. By completing the survey, you'll be eligible to  WIN a $50 cash card!
 
In 2015, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) adopted its first Transportation Options Plan. As part of implementing the Plan, local Transportation Options providers, like Cherriots Trip Choice (formerly Cherriots Rideshare), are conducting a survey to better understand  how people in Polk, Marion and Yamhill Counties travel  and their satisfaction with transportation choices.

NOTE: Please complete this survey only if you LIVE in Polk, Marion or Yamhill Counties.  Surveys are tailored to Regions throughout the State. The survey closes Friday, February 23rd. Please complete the survey only once. Prize winners will be announced in March and will be chosen randomly.
DRIVE LESS CHALLENGE
Each year the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) sponsors the statewide Drive Less Challenge to encourage residents to try transportation options other than driving alone.

The challenge took place September 16 - 30 this year and regionally we had significant participation. Participants log their trips during the challenge to become eligible to win prizes and bragging rights among their peers. Folks all over the Willamette Valley logged their trips into Drive Less Connect using bikes, carpools, vanpools, trains, transit and walking. Stay tuned for other challenges throughout the year.
OPEN STREETS SALEM
On September 29th hundreds of people from all over the Willamette Valley experienced the joy of city streets without any auto traffic at the Open Streets Salem event. This community event was free and open to anyone who wanted to walk, ride, or roll on the proposed Winter/Maple Bikeway. There were four activity hubs where participants were able to interact with local businesses and activities, such as a bounce house and puppet parade.

Cherriots Trip Choice joined in the fun by hosting an activity to promote bicycle safety. We demonstrated the importance of wearing a helmet by dropping from a 6 foot ladder first a melon safely wearing a helmet, followed by a melon sans helmet. The results were dramatic and definitely reinforced what a great job helmets do of protecting our skulls in crashes. The Salem Fire Department came out and helped us talk about proper helmet fit. They distributed helmets to 45 lucky kids.

For more details and photos, click here .
Be Safe. Be Seen
Summer was great, but now is the time to embrace the weather that defines the Pacific Northwest. The onset of shorter, darker rainy days make visibility an issue. Here are some things you can do to be safe this season:

  • Walking, biking, rolling - Wear reflective gear and/or use lights when walking, biking, or rolling in low light conditions. Use the crosswalk and be aware of your surroundings.

  • Transit riders - Use a blinking light or even your cell phone to make sure the transit operator sees you while you are waiting at a bus stop.

  • Drivers - Use headlights, keep a safe distance between vehicles, and keep an eye out for people walking and biking while you are driving.

  • Avoid distracted driving; do not eat, use your phone, read or do anything else that will distract you from operating your vehicle.
We often have blinking lights available for outreach events and promotional purposes. Please drop by the Cherriots office (555 Court Street - Suite 5230) or contact Mischa O'Reilly to check availability.
OREGONIAN CROSSING
Early in 2017 the Cherriots Trip Choice joined forces with ODOT Traffic Safety to better promote the "Oregonian Crossing" campaign. The goal of the Oregonian Crossing campaign is to increase awareness of Oregon traffic laws, promote safe and responsible travel behavior, and ultimately reduce the number of people injured or killed. In Oregon, 798 pedestrians were injured and 52 were killed in motor vehicle crashes each year (on average) from 2009 to 2013. The majority of pedestrian-involved motor vehicle crashes are the result of the failure of drivers to yield to the pedestrian.
The campaign includes a variety of promotional materials including posters, yard signs, and a Public Awareness Campaign video that aired on local television. You can view it here . With a cameo appearance from Big Foot himself, the PSA was a big hit.
Find a Ride!
Cherriots Trip Choice offers free carpool and vanpool matching through Drive Less Connect , Oregon's online Ridematching tool. With this free and easy to use tool, you’ll connect with other smart commuters who are looking to save money, time, and the environment. They are your friends, neighbors and co-workers who have the same travel needs as you. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!