Transportation Ideas for Teens

Today̵7;s teens tend to drive less than previous generations. This shift is due, in part, to licensing laws and the increased costs of cars, gasoline and insurance. Some teens are more aware of the effect of cars on the environment and look for eco-friendly options. Whatever the reasons, today̵7;s teens are looking for alternatives to driving as the preferred means of getting around.

  1. Driver's Licenses

    • The Federal Highway Administration reports that the number of young people without driver̵7;s licenses increased from 21 percent in 2000 to 26 percent in 2010. While many choose to forgo a driver's license for personal or financial reasons, for some the new licensing laws are a deterrent. According to the Governor̵7;s Highway Safety Association, all 50 states now have some form of graduated drivers licensing law that takes a novice driver through stages before allowing full driving privileges. Depending on the state, restrictions can cover driving unsupervised, driving with passengers and driving at night. Some states do not allow full driving privileges until the age of 18. If traveling by car is the most feasible transportation option, your teens̵7; transportation needs might be up to you or other parents to carpool to get your kids to activities, work or school.

    Non-Motorized Transportation

    • According to statistics from the National Household Travel Survey, young people today are choosing alternatives to motorized vehicles for transportation. The survey reports that the number of miles that young people traveled by vehicle decreased by 23 percent between 2000 and 2009. So, what are these young people doing for transportation? One solution has been the use of non-motorized transportation. Riding bikes is a viable option in many communities, where bike lanes are included on the roadways to provide a safer path for bike riders. Others choose walking as the preferred mode of transportation.

    Public Transportation

    • If you live in an area that has a reliable bus, train or subway system, public transportation is a viable option. Many adults use this means of transportation regularly, too, particularly in large cities where parking is expensive. Provide your teen with bus or train routes and send him on his way. In most cities, buses are equipped with bike racks so your teen can take his bike along to hop on when the bus doesn̵7;t take him directly to his destination.

    Special Occasions

    • For that special prom date or other occasion, a bicycle won̵7;t do. For teens who don̵7;t drive or have access to a car, choosing a means of transportation for those special occasions poses a different set of problems. So, either teens have to depend on parents or others who have cars, or they can choose to rent a limo for that special event. This is a pricey alternative, so if that is your teen̵7;s plan, ensure he is aware of the cost and begins saving money in advance.

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