ML Interest Tag: transportation

The Busiest Holiday Travel Day of the Year Is This Week. Are You Ready?

by Erica Loop

If this year’s over the river and through the woods seems like a trek too far, get ready—because the busiest travel day of the year is almost here. When it comes to when not to travel for the holidays, we’ve got you covered!

As if you didn’t have enough to do in the pre-Christmas rush, add in a day filled with travel to grandma’s house and you have a recipe for one very long car ride—and an overwhelmed mama. Luckily, travel agency and insurer AAA just released a report on 2018’s holiday travel stats and predictions to help take some of that traffic pain out of your life. Here’s the scoop so you can plan ahead.

Photo: Pixel2013 via Pixabay

According to AAA, over one-third of Americans will travel during the December holiday season, or, to put it in perspective—a whopping 112.5 million people traveling across the United States for Christmas. The 4.4 percent increase of travelers over last year means that you may end up spending a lot of time rushing, only get stuck in traffic.

So when should you just stay home? Transportation analyst for the global mobility analytics company INRIX, Trevor Reed, says, “With a record-level number of travelers hitting the road this holiday, drivers must be prepared for delays in major metro areas—with Thursday, Dec. 20 being the nation’s worst day to travel.” And of course, avoid those peak commuting hours—in other words, leave super-early or well after evening rush-hour.

Even though Reed and AAA say Dec. 20 is the worst day to travel, some cities may have bigger driving back-ups on different dates. AAA pings Wednesday, Dec. 19 as the worst day for traveling in and around the following cities: Boston, Massachusetts; Houston, Texas; and Seattle, Washington. If you’re headed to Chicago, Illinois or Detroit, Michigan, it looks like Monday, Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve day) is a no-go. San Francisco, California travelers are likely to find the greatest delays on Friday, Dec. 21 and anyone in Atlanta, Georgia metro area may see delays on Saturday, Dec. 22.

Staying home this year suddenly sounds a lot more appealing!

—Erica Loop

 

RELATED STORIES:

Our Readers Share Their Christmas Traditions for When They Don’t Travel for the Holidays

Your Ugly Christmas Sweater Gets You a Sweet Perk When You Fly This Airline

Fly to India for Under $500 Round Trip for Your Exotic Family Vacay in 2019

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Up to 3,000 More Amazon Go Stores Could Arrive in the Next 3 Years

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Grocery shopping without waiting in line is probably every mom’s dream—and now that dream might just come true as Amazon Go stores will reportedly open at 3,000 locations across the country. An Amazon spokesperson told Red Tricycle, “We don’t comment on rumors or speculation”—but here’s what we do know right now.

According to a Bloomberg report, Amazon plans to rapidly expand its cashier-less Amazon Go stores with 3,000 locations set to open by 2021. With four Amazon Go stores open already, the cashier-less store concept is still being fine-tuned as some locations feature mainly grab-and-go eats while others also have a small selection of grocery items. Despite the difference in offerings, the overall idea is to make a quick stop at the store fast and easy by eliminating the need to stand in line and pay.

Amazon Go shoppers simply use their Amazon smartphone apps to enter the store. Sensors on the shelves pick up data from what’s taken off the shelves and how much it costs. Paying is even easier as customers can pay via the app while they walk out of the store.

The only question that remains is where these new stores will be. Location is a major part of convenience, especially in major cities where limited parking and transportation are big factors. Skipping a line is a big plus for families, but not if you have to park a mile away. “Amazon Go already has no lines,” Jeff Lenard, vice president of National Association of Convenience Stores, told Bloomberg. “The key to success will be convenient locations. If it’s a quarter mile from where people are walking and biking, the novelty of the technology won’t matter. It’s too far away.”

Even so, the idea of having a truly grab-and-go shopping experience rolling out nationwide is exciting all the same.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured Photo: Amazon via YouTube

 

RELATED STORIES:

The Next Cashless Amazon Go Store Is Reportedly Coming to the East Coast

Amazon Alexa Can Now *Literally* Make You Dinner

Whole Foods Amazon Prime Now Delivery Arrives in 10 More Cities

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

LeBron James Opened His Own Public School & Here’s a Look Inside

by Erica Loop

He might be a major celeb and one of the most well-known and accomplished sports figures of all times, but this basketball star does much more than than you might expect an A-lister to do. LeBron James opened a public school in Akron, and is now helping at-risk third and fourth graders!

The I Promise School in Akron, Ohio is a public, non-charter elementary school. The NBA star’s foundation, appropriately named the LeBron James Family Foundation, is the top donor—giving the students a chance that they might not otherwise have.

Not only will the third and fourth graders in the Akron Public Schools’ elementary get their fill of academics, but the teachers and staff will also help the kiddos to combat outside factors that could stop them from getting the education that they need and deserve. This includes “wraparound” services for the students and their families (such as a food pantry and help finding suitable housing).

The school also has a seven-week summer program Each student even gets a free bike—that was James’ mode of transportation to school when he was a child—and a Chromebook!

So how did James get involved in this project? Well obviously the Ohio native has a soft spot for Akron. Reportedly James and Michele Campbell, the executive director of his foundation, were brainstorming ideas. When Campbell mentioned the idea, James jumped on it.

Even though James and his foundation are a major part of the school, the project couldn’t have come together without the parents, teachers, school administrators, volunteers, students and corporate sponsors that devoted time, energy and funds.

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: LeBron James via Instagram

RELATED STORIES:

This Amazon Alexa Feature Might Just Be Its Most Important One Yet

Here’s How One Organization is Helping Teens Look Their Best This Prom Season

Baltimore Just Became the First City to Ban Soda From Kids’ Menu

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Wheelie Cool: The Best Bike Shops Around Town

by April Hasson

If there’s one thing Portlanders love, it’s biking! And kids are no exception. Help your budding bicyclist be their best with gear from a few of our favorite local vendors. Read on to get all the details.

photo: Community Cycling Center via Yelp

Community Cycling Center
A non-profit with the belief that all Portlanders (regardless of income or background) should have the opportunity to experience the joy, freedom and health benefits of bicycling, Community Cycling Center has bikes for everybody! CCC sells new bicycles and restored and as-is bikes that just need a little TLC, so there’s something for all budget ranges. Kids can also earn a free bike, lock and helmet through their after-school Bike Club program.

Along with selling bikes and bicycling gear, Community Cycling is a full-service repair shop, so you don’t have to ditch your two-wheeler when it breaks down. Show the staff your Oregon Trail, Washington Quest or an equivalent EBT or Medicaid card and receive a 20% discount on all new and used parts and accessories, repair services and bike and frame sales.

What do we like most? This non-profit give it’s proceeds to benefit community programs.

Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
1700 NE Alberta St
503-287-8786
Online: communitycyclingcenter.org

Photo: Lumberyard Bike Park via Yelp

Lumberyard Bike Park
While primarily an indoor bike course with after school camps and private bike instruction, the Lumberyard also has a pro shop with bikes, parts and demos to try out onsite. They carry all of the gear your little pedal pal can dream of including a full selection of frames, accessories, apparel and safety equipment.

Plan to spend your day there riding, shopping and even eating, because there’s an onsite pizza pub for when you and the kiddos need a bite. Shopping for a bike has never been so fun!

Open: Fri.-Mon., 9 a.m.-10 p.m; Tue.,Wed., & Thurs., 2-10 p.m.
2700 NE 82nd Ave
503-252-2453
Online: lumberyardmtb.com

Photo: Clever Cycles via Yelp

Clever Cycles
This shop cleverly picks its bikes based on their value as transportation in Portland. What does that mean? It means their gear is low maintenance, safe in all seasons, comfortable and plain-clothes friendly and comes with some cargo space. Clever Cycles also keeps family transportation top-of-mind.

Need a cargo bike to haul two, three or even four (or more?!) tots around? Clever Cycles carries over six brands of cargo bikes, as well as baby seats and children’s bikes. And if your commute requires and uphill haul, they have bikes with electric assist too.

If you are not sure exactly what you want, don’t stress, Clever Cycles also rent family and cargo bikes so you can try two-wheeled commuting before investing. Once you do buy your bikes, they also provide maintenance services to help keep them in top condition.

Open Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
900 SE Hawthorne Blvd
503-334-1560
Online: clevercyles.com

Photo: Islabikes via Yelp

Islabikes
Isla Rowntree, the founder of Islabikes, started working at a bike shop and racing bikes in England at a young age, and now has a children’s specialty bike store right here in Southeast Portland. Islabikes prides themselves in custom-fit, ergonomic children’s pedal bikes, cyclocross and mountain bikes.

From balance bikes to starter bikes to multi-purpose bikes, this store has everything your little racer needs to get them bicycling from the time the can stand until they day they leave for college. You definitely want to check them out for serious kid-friendly gear.

Open Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 a.m.
2113 SE 7th Ave
503-954-2410
Online: islabikes.com

Photo: River City Bicycles via Yelp

River City Bicycles Outlet
While the River City Bicycles main store has kids bikes ranging up to $500, their outlet makes use of their industry relationships to get better-than-usual deals on bikes and gear. This spot is great for discounts and deals on coasters and multi-speed bikes for youth. They also have a trade-in program, which will come in super handy with your growing bicyclist!

Open Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. & Sun 12-5 p.m.
503-446-2205
534 SE Belmont St
Online: rivercitybicyclesoutlet.com

Photo: Bike Gallery via Facebook

Bike Gallery
In business since 1974 and with six locations in the Portland area, Bike Gallery has a massive stock of children’s bicycles, and if they don’t have the one you want onsite, they are likely to be able to get it from their warehouse within a week. Parents can ease young bicyclists into the sport with a trailer bike or “kickster” before graduating to a single-speed model. They also have rentals, an indoor test track and riding events.

Check online for each store’s hours.
Locations in Downtown Portland, Hollywood, Woodstock, Lake Oswego, Beaverton and Clackamas
Online: bikegallery.com

What’s  your favorite kid’s bike shop in the area? Tell us in the comments below!

—April Hasson

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

SWEET! Airlines Can No Longer Charge You Extra to Sit With Your Kid, FAA Bill Says

by Red Tricycle

Photo: BriYYZ via Flickr

To ease up the tension parents face when flying on a plane with their littles, the Federal Aviation Administration passed a bill stating parents are allowed to sit with their children on a flight without being charged an arm and a leg. The new ruling requires the transportation secretary to establish a policy allowing children under age 13, “to be seated in a seat adjacent to the seat of an accompanying family member over the age of 13” at no additional cost to the family. An additional perk: airlines will also refund “any ancillary fees” if your checked luggage is delivered more than 12 hours after your domestic flight arrives, or 15 hours for an international flight. #SmallParentingWins

Are you flying somewhere this summer? Tell us in the comments below!

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

10 Cool Biking Parents Reinventing the Wheel

by Gabby Cullen

From the mom you see toting her four kids around town on wheels to new trails and bike lanes popping around the country, it’s clear that biking is not just a mode of transportation for families, but a way of life. In honor of National Biking Month, we took a look around, and found cool parents who make the daily trek on their wheels in sunshine, rain, and yes, even snow. Flip through the album below for 10 inspiring, adventurous and fun stories.

Erin Feher Montoya – San Francisco, Ca

The great climate, and lack of desirable parking make the hilly streets of San Francisco a haven for biking advocates, and Red Tricycle's city editor, Erin Feher is no exception. She's spent a lifetime riding (11 in the Bay Area), and now, living in downtown San Francisco with husband Danny, and daughter Orion means a bike is the family's main mode of transport, whether it’s to the grocery store, the beach, school, or anywhere, really!  

Orion has been up front and center on the seat of Erin’s bike since she was nine months old—the earliest age kids are able to hold up their head and support the weight of a helmet—and she loves riding shotgun with mom, or, in the trailer behind dad.

Coolest biking experience? Erin and Danny even bike while on vacation. They’ve ridden through most of Holland, much of Italy (they got hitched there mid-bike tour), and Paris, too!

photo: courtesy Erin Feher

Do you know a cool parent who bikes? Tell us about it a Comment below!

—Gabby Cullen

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Give Stuff & Get Stuff (For Free!) at Eco-Friendly Stop ‘N’ Swaps

by Mimi O'Connor

Do you sometimes wonder how you can be more “green” and reduce waste? Are you a sucker for a box of gently used books on a stoop labeled “Free! Please take!” In the market for a pair of rain boots for your toddler, or did you just clean out your closets, the toy bin, and other neglected corners or your home? Listen up! It’s Stop ‘N’ Swap season, and one of these free, fun, reuse events is likely happening near you in the coming months. Read on to learn how to give a little, get a little — or both!

photo: GrowNYC

Stop ‘N’ What?
Stop ‘N’ Swap is a Zero Waste program of the non-profit GrowNYC, funded by the NYC Department of Sanitation. Since 2007, the initiative has organized pop-up community reuse events where residents are invited to bring items they no longer want and come to take things they do. The events are free and you don’t have to bring something in order to take something — although it’s extremely satisfying to arrive with a perfectly good bag of clothes, books, etc. and leave without it, while also knowing the items will likely find a home with someone who really wants them.

The people of Stop ‘N’ Swap do the things most people dread about cleaning and clearing out stuff: they sort the items on arrival, and at the end of the day remove all leftovers and donate or recycle them.

The goal of the program is to encourage reuse, build community and divert good, reusable stuff that might otherwise end up in a landfill. Another benefit of the events is that they also simultaneously reduce the waste that comes from the production, packaging and transportation needed to get new things.

photo: GrowNYC

When & Where
Since in inception of Stop ‘N’ Swap, the program has hosted 137 events, and in response to increased demand, GrowNYC plans to host one swap in each of the city’s 59 community districts every year. You can find out when and where upcoming swaps will take place at www.grownyc.org/swap; organizers are currently planning swaps for May, June and beyond, with 3 to 4 swaps per month taking place throughout the five boroughs.

photo: GrowNYC

Why Wait?
If the idea of a Stop ‘N’ Swap makes you giddy and you’d like to help make one happen, GrowNYC wants to hear from you and help make it happen. Organizers look for a large, indoor, and ideally handicapped-accessible space that can hold at least 100 people at any one time, plus room for about 15-20 tables for sorting and setting items out. They provide staff, volunteers, and all the materials needed. (All they really need from a host is someone to let us in the space, though of course any level of involvement is appreciated.)

GrowNYC also encourages residents to organize their own community swaps, and recommends starting off small with a book or clothing swap, and then scaling up from there. If you have questions about hosting your own mini swap, they”re happy to be a resources with answers and suggestions.

Have you attended a GrowNYC Stop ‘N’ Swap? If so, tell us about your experience in the comments!

—Mimi O’Connor

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

12 Children’s Books That Take You On A Big City Adventure

by Ashly Grzyb

Have your kids ever wondered where exactly Knuffle Bunny was lost or what it might be like to live at the Plaza like Eloise? From the Brooklyn Bridge to the Lower East Side to Washington Heights, your kiddos can see NYC-based stories come alive by visiting the actual locations featured in some of their favorite books. Learn about historic landmarks, ride on public transportation, or walk the streets of a new neighborhood with a dozen locally set stories.

1. Eloise

By Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight

A classic children’s book written in 1955, Eloise is a sassy six year old girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in Midtown. She goes on adventures (and gets into mischief) with her dog, turtle, and nanny. She isn’t a role model, but you’ll find her crazy antics entertaining.

Make the story come alive at: The Plaza Hotel, Park Ave. between 58th St. and Central Park South, Midtown EastIf your material girl has a yen to make like Eloise, taking her to the Plaza is free. It's a lot of fun and well-ventilated, too. While it's free to explore, once your kid gets a gander at the Eloise store, complete with a kid-sized pink piano - not to mention the special, Rawther Fancy Tea - all freebie bets are off.

Image courtesy of Eloise at the Plaza

Find these books and more at your local neighborhood bookstore!

Share your favorite children’s book about the Big Apple in the comments below!

–Ashly Grzyb

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

What We’re Thankful For — NYC Parent Edition

by Mimi O'Connor

Don’t get us wrong: sure, being a parent in New York can have its, uh, hassles. But for every annoyance there are a dozen ways that raising a child in the city can be glorious fun. Packed playgrounds, neighborhood communities, the best museums and theater for kids — and fellow parents who will clue you in on how to make it work here with little ones. Click through to see just a few of the reasons why we here at Red Tricycle are thankful to be parenting in the Big Apple.

Yes, the MTA

I live in the middle of a barren land when it comes to kids' activities and we have no car... which makes me so thankful for the MTA  —with all its flaws and faults— for giving me and my kid access to everything that's happening in the rest of the city. I'm thankful that one day we can travel half an hour in one direction and end up at the beach or the aquarium, and another day we can go half an hour in the other direction and wind up in a beautiful park or at the zoo. That's one of the perks of living in NYC, and I love it!

— writer Yuliya Geikhman

photo: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin via Flickr

Why are you thankful you’re raising a kid in NYC? Share your reason in the comments below!

 —Mimi O’Connor

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Summer Streets Are Coming (With a Giant Water Slide!)

by Mimi O'Connor

August is perhaps New York City’s most quiet month (thanks to many people escaping the heat and humidity with last hurrah vacations), and the streets actually seem less-crowded here when it rolls around. The city takes advantage of this relative seasonal hush with Summer Streets, an entirely free program that opens a seven-mile stretch of streets to pedestrians and bikes, with lots of chances to play, eat, dance and learn about healthy recreation and sustainable transportation along the way. And yes, this year there will be a mega water slide, too.

photo: Slide the City

Taking it to the Streets

A program of the Department of Transportation, Summer Streets makes the seven-mile stretch of Park Avenue at 72nd Street to Lafayette Street at Brooklyn Bridge vehicle-free for three consecutive Saturdays in August (the 1st, the 8th and the 15th) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cyclists, runners, walkers, rollerbladers, etc. are encouraged to come out and enjoy as little or as much of the route as they like.

But it’s much more than just open streets with no cars to dodge. Five rest stops are along the way, each offering different free activities and entertainment. The list of things to do and see is extensive, including everything from parkour demonstrations and dance performances to free bike repair and a 165-foot long, 30-feet high zipline, but each one is anchored by a big attraction or entertainment option.

photo: Marcia P. via Yelp

The Rest Stop Rundown

The Uptown Rest Stop (at 52nd Street and Park Avenue) will host dance, music, and comedy performances on a stage, while also offering free face-painting, art projects, bike rentals and the chance to climb in a big rig for a “Truck’s Eye View” of the road.

The Midtown Rest Stop (at 25th Street and Park Avenue) is home to the Whole Foods Market City Picnic, where you’ll be able to pick up lots of free samples and see demonstrations of juggling and tai chi and dance performances. Plus, this stop features free bike and rollerblade rentals as well as free helmets and helmet fittings by the Department of Transportation. Also: free bike repair!

The main attraction at Astor Place Rest Stop (at Astor Place and Lafayette Street) will be the American Kennel Club Dog Park, equipped with a grassy knoll, pools to splash in, a space to play and an agility course. Owners can also get a photo with their pooch at the Wooftale Photo Booth. Other attractions include arts and crafts, the chance to try a hand-cycle and walking tours.

photo: Larry L. via Yelp

The SoHo Rest Stop (at Spring Street and Lafayette Street) is all about the hardbodies, thanks to classes from Crunch Gym. Classes include yoga, pilates, Retro-robics, Street Jazz and Boot Camp. You’ll also find free bike rental and Honest Tea samples here.

The Foley Square Rest Stop (at Duane Street and Centre Street) is where the intense action is happening. The big attraction is the Vita Coco Beach featuring Slide the City, the giant water slide (more on that later). You’ll also find the zipline, misting stations, lots of free Coco Vita Coconut water and a “virtual technology” beach experience.

Soccer will also be big at Foley Square, thanks to the NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital Soccer Zone, where freestyle soccer players will do demonstrations and play, with regular folks joining in. And be on the lookout for Ben Franklin wandering around: an historical reenactor will be at Foley Square, ready to engage in a bit of living history.

photo: Slide the City

So, About that Waterslide

This humongous slide has been popping up all over the country this summer, thanks to a company known as Slide the City.  It will be located at Foley Square, at the intersection of Centre Street & Lafayette Street, and while it is free to ride (one time per person) online pre-registration is required to ride the slide. You must be five years old and 46 inches or taller to ride; all kids under 18 must get sign-off from parents. (Be sure to read all the specifics and rules on riding the slide on the Summer Streets web site.)

Registration for the slide on the first Summer Street Saturday on August 1 opened on July 23; registration for August 8 opens on August 3 and registration for August 15 opens on August 10. To register and for further information visit the Slide the City website.

Will you be headed to Summer Streets this year? Have you done Slide the City? Tell us in the comments below!

—Mimi O’Connor

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement