NoDa Arts District: Riding The Last Mile: A Car-Free Trip To Uptown

Press release from the NoDa Arts District:

Eric Linne

August 7, 2021

In the past couple of months, we decided to sell our second car and focus on alternative transportation modes to get to and from our home. Living in NoDa, so close to uptown and transportation options such as bus lines and the light rail, this seemed like an easy change to implement.

First, I walked the five minutes to the light rail station at 36th Street. Before stepping onto the platform, I clicked on the Charlotte Area Transportation System (CATS) app and opened a previously purchased ticket ($2.20 one way). To avoid fines, one is supposed to buy and open a CATS ticket before stepping onto the light rail platform. As luck would have it, I had followed the rules.

After a short ride through the Mill District, I exited the train at 9th Street in uptown and began the second leg of my journey. Having previously researched the stations containing Charlotte Joy Rides e-bikes, I walked the two blocks to the closest docking station at 9th and Brevard. We had done a test ride of the Joy Rides e-bike system the previous weekend ($5 for 30 minutes). The ride was thoroughly enjoyable and the sign-up was simple.

Too late, I remembered that there is currently no Joy Rides docking station near NoDa, so that plan fell by the wayside. Glancing around, I noticed a nearby Spin electric scooter. Since I had brought my helmet for the e-bike ride, the scooter option seemed like the perfect pivot. I engaged the scooter with my Spin app, and headed north on Davidson Street toward home ($1 to unlock and 15 cents-40 cents per minute).

I turned left at 36th Street and headed toward our home on the far side of the tracks from the center of NoDa. Having reached Benard Avenue, I decided to take one final lap around the block before dropping the scooter off at the corner.

In the end, I was able to navigate alternative transportation to uptown and back. With a bit more preparation and observation on my part, the journey would have been simple, inexpensive, and enjoyable.

charlottejoyrides.com

This press release was produced by the NoDa Arts District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.