The new year often brings new routines. A new job, new classes, or simply a fresh start.
Getting around Bellevue without driving alone doesn’t mean a complete lifestyle change. In fact, many sustainable commute options fit easily into everyday routines, and they can help you save money, reduce stress, and earn rewards along the way.
Here are a few simple, realistic ways to get around Bellevue without driving alone!
Start with One Trip a Week
You don’t have to commit to a full commute change. Try choosing just one trip a week to swap driving alone for another option.
That might look like:
- Taking transit one day a week to work
- Going out on the weekend using transit instead of driving
- Walking to lunch or a nearby errand
Small changes add up, and they still count as trips you can log with Choose Your Way Bellevue. In time, as you become more comfortable and familiar with Bellevue’s sustainable transportation options and routes, you can go beyond one trip per week – maybe 2, 3, or more. You got this!
Take Transit to Get Around
Transit isn’t just for commuting to work or school. In Bellevue, it’s a practical option for everyday trips like coffee runs, grocery shopping, appointments, and even meeting friends downtown.
With frequent service and easy connections, transit can help you avoid parking and traffic, especially during busy hours.
Plan your trip through Google Maps, One Bus Away, and the King County Metro Trip Planner!
Walk Short Trips When You Can
Downtown Bellevue is only roughly 1 square mile and received a walk score of 94, making walking one of the easiest ways to get around.
Consider walking when:
- Your destination is within a mile
- You’re heading to lunch, a cafe, or the shops downtown
- You want a break from sitting or screen time
Walking trips count toward rewards and are an easy way to explore your community at a slower pace. Especially, when the weather is warmer and the rain is less intense, walking can help you get your steps in, leading to a healthier active lifestyle. Until then, bundle up and stay dry!
Try Biking for Part of Your Route
Biking doesn’t have to mean riding the entire way. Many people choose to:
- Bike the first or last mile, and ride the bus or lightrail most of the way
- Bike for errands close to home
- Ride the full way during daylight hours and use transit when it’s dark
Bellevue’s growing network and bike-friendly transit options make combining modes simple and flexible.
Check out the 2020 Bike Map [PDF], featuring citywide and detail maps, safety tips, helmet fitting tips, tools and resources. (New 2026 Bike Map is on the way!)
Share the Ride When it Makes Sense
If transit, walking, or biking isn’t an option for a particular trip, carpooling or vanpooling can still help reduce congestion and costs.
Sharing a ride works well for:
- Regular work schedules
- School drop-offs
- Occasional events or meetings
Even occasional carpool trips count as sustainable, non-drive-alone trips!
Find other commuters with similar commutes by setting up a free account within the Choose Your Way Bellevue portal to the Rideshare Online regional ride-matching service.
Let Your Commute Support Local Businesses
In 2026, Choose Your Way Bellevue’s Rewards Program is going local! That means your everyday trips, whether they’re to work, the grocery store, or even your favorite coffee shop, can help you earn rewards that support local businesses.
You don’t need to travel far or try something new every day. Simply getting around Bellevue without driving alone helps you reduce congestion, discover more of the city, and earn local rewards.
Start Logging Your Trips Today
Make sure to log your sustainable non-drive-alone trips with the Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards program. Every eligible trip by transit, carpool, vanpool, walking, or biking can go towards local rewards.
- Log 30 sustainable trips for a chance to earn a $150 local restaurant gift card
- Log 20 sustainable trips for a chance to earn a $50 local grocery store gift card
- Log 16 sustainable trips to earn a $10 local coffee shop gift card. (while supplies last)
