November Commuter of the Month: Relena Ribbons, UT student Relena is a Ph.D. student in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee. She joined Smart Trips after hearing an office mate talking about it earlier this year.  She feels Smart Trips really motivates people and personally likes seeing her reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Relena says she prefers to bike to school because it has a much lighter impact on the environment than driving a car. But she admits to struggling with biking in the rain, so she generally carpools with friends instead of biking on rainy days.

According to Relena, “There is something very freeing and nostalgic about riding a bicycle—it reminds me of my childhood—and you can't be plugged into anything, it’s just you (your helmet) and the bike hitting the pavement.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Congratulations Relena! Your $50 gift card to Tomato Head is on its way.

Want to nominate someone for commuter of month?

Know an inspiring commuter? Tell us about him or her via email or on facebook. Include your name and contact information, the commuter's name, and why you think your nominee should be the Smart Trips Commuter of the Month. You can nominate as many people as you would like. The winner of the Commuter of the Month contest will receive a $50 gift card from Smart Trips. (Please note, to be eligible to win, all nominees must be participating Smart Trips members.) 

For questions, please contact the Smart Trips office at 215-2916.