Mt. Desert Island Plans Commute Another Way Day Activities

Mt. Desert Island, ME – On Wednesday, June 15^th, Mt. Desert Island residents will mark “Commute Another Way Day” by walking, bicycling, taking a Downeast Transportation bus, or carpooling to work. A slate of activities has been organized locally by the MDI Tomorrow Bicycle/Pedestrian Task Force in honor of the day. Employers and individual participants can still register for prizes by going to Go Maine’s website at www.gomaine.org/cawday.

The Jackson Laboratory is the largest employer on Mt. Desert Island participating in the day. The Lab has planned a breakfast reception for all employees who commute via bicycle, foot, carpool, or the subscription bus services from outlying towns. Senator Dennis Damon has been invited to speak at the reception to welcome Lab employees who “commuted another way”. The Lab provides showers and bicycle racks for bicycle commuters. Also, as a special offer, the Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop will have free bicycle rentals for Lab employees who wish to try commuting via bicycle on June 15^th. Lab employees who are interested in the free bike rentals should call the bicycle shop at 288-3886 in advance.

The Bar Harbor Bicycle Shop and the MDI Tomorrow Bicycle/Pedestrian Task Force are also hosting a reception for any community members that are bicycling, walking, carpooling, or riding the bus to work. Participants in “Commute Another Way Day” should stop by the bicycle shop at 141 Cottage St. between 7:15 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. for muffins, juice, fruit, and coffee. Breakfast foods are being provided by The Alternative Market, a co-sponsor of the event.

Downeast Transportation will also be encouraging people to get out of their cars by offering free rides all day on their community buses throughout Hancock County. For more information or to get a bus schedule, contact Downeast Transportation at 667-5796.

“We are trying to make a small difference in the Mt. Desert Island Community,” said Doug Michael of Healthy Acadia and the MDI Tomorrow Bicycle/Pedestrian Task Force. “Every small step that people take to combine vehicle trips or walk or bicycle will help tremendously.”

For more information about Commute Another Way Day, contact Stephanie Clement at 288-3340 or Doug Michael at 288-5331. People who plan on participating on the day should register at www.gomaine.org/cawday.