Introducing GoLafayette

Try it Now! GoLafayette.org

Think of the last time you had an errand downtown or had a short commute in the area. If you trip was similar to 99% of the trips taken in Lafayette, you probably grabbed the car keys without hesitation. If you had walked, biked or taken a scooter, there would be measurable and significant advantages over driving without taking much more time. It would save you money, save fuel, reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, and burned those ever-important calories, but how would you know? How could you easily compare different modes of transportation in one spot?

Now you can, with GoLafayette.org.

GoLafayette is a unique, new approach to getting around Lafayette and the surrounding area.  The core of this website is to provide a unique tool which gives you an ability to enter your route, and you will then be given full information about the trip and the ability to quickly compare different modes of transportation. There is also complete information for each type of local trip: getting to work, getting to school, or going downtown, and to give you an ability to share your experiences in a “success story” format similar to the existing Sustainable Lafayette website.

An example of how GoLafayette could be used:

Mary Jane just moved to Lafayette and bought a house in the White Pony neighborhood.  First thing she needs to know is how to get her kid to Burton Valley Elementary.  She would click on “Getting to School” and quickly learn about the Lamorinda School Bus program, what it costs, where it stops, and when.  Next she wants to attend her first event at the Library, and so enters her home address and selects the Library.  GoLafayette shows that the total time to bike is almost the same as driving, and that she’d burn 180 calories, and not produce any emissions. She would click on the “Get Me There” button and it would display the biking route and directions on her computer or mobile phone. “Tips and Trips” would show her recommended bike parking and who’s shared their trips.  She gets so motivated by all this green transportation that she wants to see if she can get to Trader Joes on her bike.  She clicks on “Maps” and sees the Downtown Bypass Map that will take her right there without ever going on Mt. Diablo Blvd.

As a result, GoLafayette changes the old paradigm of “jump in the car” for each and every little trip to the soccer game, farmer’s market, library, school, BART, grocery store, etc. People will further consider using some of the extensive trails and bike lanes throughout Lafayette while taking advantage of our often-fabulous weather. More frequent bike, walking, or scooter commuting means less cost, less CO2 emissions, less congestion, less parking hassles, and greater well-being and happiness.

Press Release and Recent Articles:

GoLafayette Press Release, May 22, 2012 (PDF)

Lamorinda Weekly – May 23, 2012

Lafayette Today Article – May 2012

Lamorinda Patch - May 2012