Free Airport Parking

I finally had an opportunity to bike 'n fly the other day. Thursday afternoon, I flew out of Burlington (BTV) on a 2-day trip. My only luggage was my backpack, so it was the perfect opportunity to bike to and from the airport rather than drive, bum a ride, or take a cab. I biked from work to the airport (about 2 miles... an easy sub-10-minute ride) and locked up my bike and helmet at the bike rack in the airport's parking garage. Easy. When I returned Saturday around noon, I unlocked my bike and headed home. 4 miles and 15 minutes later, my trip was over.

For Burlington-area residents, this is such a great option. We are lucky to have an airport so close to downtown (about 3 miles from Church Street). The airport is within easy biking distance of Burlington, Winooski, South Burlington, Essex Junction and Williston... with a combined population of about 75,000 people. However, mine was the only bike on the rack when I left on Thursday and when I returned on Sunday - while the car parking lot was full to capacity.

I think it is just a lack of awareness of this option. I didn't think about biking to the airport until just recently, and my bike is my primary transportation. I hope that options like this will become more and more popular as access gets better (bike paths/lanes), and gas/parking/taxis become more expensive.