JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — For roughly 10 years now, not including winters, Kristy Kathman of Jamestown puts her best foot forward, sets her watch and walks to work, with rain jacket in hand just in case.

What You Need To Know

  • May is National Bike to Work Week

  • Chautauqua County has launched the first Active Transportation Week

  • NYSDOT is working on a new Active Strategic Transportation Plan

Her current job is a little less than two miles from her home.

"And at an easy pace, I get there in about a half an hour," said Kathman.

She's one of many taking part in a first ever Active Transportation initiative in Chautauqua County, urging would be drivers to explore alternative modes of transportation.

"I'm trying to increase the amount of steps that I get and this is an easy way to do it. And also with gas prices going up all the time, it feels like a way to save on that. And I know it's good for the environment and it's good for my body," said Kathman.

Stephanie Nick, the county's special projects coordinator, is leading the effort by example. And before heading off to work, she performs a number of safety checks.

"Really enjoy getting out in the morning, before work and getting that initial kind of blood flow going. And it puts me in a good mood," said Nick.

Even on rainy days, she still rides to a public bus stop, and waits for CHQ Transit to pick her up. She places her bike on the rack and boards the bus, which also saves her on gas, repairs and insurance. 

"It's just a great experience. I think everybody should give it a chance. It's really important to kind of be open minded about multi-mobile transportation," said Nick.

Once she reaches her stop, she grabs her bike and rides a short distance before arriving at work.

"And then I just take her inside and park it in my cubicle," she said.

The effort is in step with the state Department of Transportation's vision. The DOT, currently developing a statewide active transportation strategic plan, is looking at ways it can improve streets and bridges to ensure people can safely navigate crosswalks and bike lanes.

"From Buffalo to Albany, across the state. Everybody has a right to travel safely, no matter what mode of transportation that is. So we want to make sure we're doing our part as NYS DOT and accommodating all modes efficiently on our system," said Susan Surdej, regional public information officer, engineer, NYSDOT.

Kathman supports the effort and encourages others to give it a try.

"I'm feeling great. I feel energized. I feel good about what I did from an environmental perspective but I also feel good about what I did for myself," said Kathman.

The state DOT is looking for your input as well through a survey.