In honor of the 14th Annual Smart Commute Week, which runs today through Friday, Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation is offering an Alternative Transportation expo this evening from 7-9 p.m. on Front St. That's maybe a slightly unsexy name for what actually looks to be a cool event: a Friday Night Live-type evening of bike displays, alternative fuel vehicles, bike rodeo for the kids, energy demonstrations and more. If the $4+/gallon gas prices have you seriously considering buying a bike this summer, this is a great place to come check out the newest models.

The State and TADL's Cinema Curiosa series is also getting in on the bicycle action tonight with a 7:30 p.m. screening of "Jour de Fete," Jacques Tati's 1949 slapstick comedy about a French village postman who zips around on his rounds on his beloved bicycle, delivering mail the "old-fashioned way." It's a zany, fun expose on our modern obsession with speed and efficiency, and is every bit as funny and relevant today as it was 60 years ago.

So walk, carpool, or yes, ride your bike downtown tonight and check out all the action. You'll be doing yourself - and the environment - a big favor.