JOYRIDE FAQ

Who originally funded JOYRIDE?

The JOYRIDE tool kit was originally funded by the National Center for Alcohol Policy with support from the Minnesota Beer Wholesalers Association. It was designed to help rural communities establish safe ride alternative transportation programs.

When was Twin Ports JOYRIDE started?

Twin Ports Joyride began in January 2014.

How often is JOYRIDE used in the Twin Ports?

In the first year there were over 200 rides given. On average, there has been 500 given a year.

How does Twin Ports JOYRIDE work?

Bars that participate in the Twin Ports JOYRIDE program purchase vouchers that allow their patrons a $7 discount off a cab ride home. Bar owners contribute $4 and donations contribute $3 towards the $7 voucher. If the cab ride home goes over $7, the patron would pay the remainder.

How does Twin Ports JOYRIDE survive?

Corporate (Rohlfing, Michaud, Superior Beverage, Bernicks and MLBA) and private donations sustains the program.

Who are the partnering cab companies?

Duluth/Superior Cab Companies – Yellow Cab, Bayside Taxi, and Courtesy Cab

Cloquet Cab Company – Clouqet City Cab

Why is Twin Ports JOYRIDE so important?

Impaired driving makes Southern St. Louis County one of the “Deadliest 13” counties in Minnesota. JOYRIDE is designed to help reduce impaired driving crashes, injuries, deaths, and arrests.

What impact has JOYRIDE had on DWI's?

State JOYRIDE programs have lead to a 35-55% decrease in DWI’s over the past five years. For example, in Wright County they had 480 DWI’s in 2010, and in 2015 they dropped 37% to 303 DWI’s.

How can Twin Ports JOYRIDE impact Duluth?

On average, Duluth has 1000 DWI’s in a year, almost three a day. Our goal is to have JOYRIDE offered at every bar and restaurant so patrons can pre-plan their rides home or take advantage of this service if they drink too much.

Changing community norms and attitudes about impaired driving does not happen overnight. In other rural communities, safe ride programs have taken several years to be successful. We need local and community support during these initial years to reach the point of sustainability.

Where can my business get more JOYRIDE vouchers?

When a business needs more JOYRIDE vouchers please email drvng4@gmail.com, message us on Facebook, pay through PALPAL on our website (coming soon) or call 218.450.4028.

For more information contact:

Allison Nicolson

Driving 4 Safe Communities Coalition Coordinator

131 Ninth Ave.

Proctor, MN 55810

Phone: (218) 786-4554

Email: drvng4@gmail.com