We often hear from commuters who want to get back on the bike or bus for their commute but find getting their kids to school and themselves to work too great a challenge.  As a new parent, I'm starting to really understand the hardships of transporting the wee ones.  Although my girl still has a few years before heading off to school for the day, we do enjoy our bus ride home everyday.  Still, I find that short trips to the grocery store have gone from a quick pedal to a family car ride.

Stop and Walk! One great way to build a little physical activity into the morning school trip

For those of you commuting parents, what are the biggest challenges? Is it the time constraints? Getting schedules to line up? Difficulty finding transit routes or bike routes to get to school and work?  All of the above?

We want to help.  The SmartTrips Business team will design you a customized bike and/or transit trip plan from home to school and to work (or any combination, thereof).  All you need to do is go to our on-line order form and click "YES" (see helpful diagram below).  Let us know you want a trip plan from home-to school-to work in the comments section.

Here are some other great options for getting to school and work:

• Family friendly bike and walk maps for every school in Portland!
• Join or start a Walking School Bus
• Join a Bike Train
• "Park and Bike" - If you need to drive your kids to school, consider parking the car and biking to work from there.