Local Non-Profits Host Competition to Encourage Bicycle Commuting
(ATLANTA – August 28, 2012) Bicycling is the world’s most popular form of transportation. It offers numerous health benefits and significant cost savings compared to trips taken in cars. And in the metro Atlanta area, it is estimated that some 20,000 commute trips each week are made on a bike. This October, commuters will have an opportunity to compete in the region’s first-ever Bike To Work Challenge.
Organized by The Clean Air Campaign, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, the Atlanta Regional Commission’s RideSmart division and local transportation management associations, the Bike to Work Challenge encourages bicycle commuters to compete as individuals or on teams with other cycling enthusiasts in the metro area. By registering at www.atlbiketowork.org, participants will be able to log their bicycle commute trips, track their progress and earn points to compete for prizes.
“The Bike To Work Challenge is exactly that—a challenge to see how much you can improve your commute, whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just starting out,” said Tedra Cheatham, executive director at The Clean Air Campaign. “Many Atlantans have access to ride a bike into work, whether it’s a single ride or by connecting with transit, but many have never considered it. This event offers the perfect motivation to try something new.”
Individuals and teams of two to five people will earn points throughout the month of October by riding their bikes to work, participating in bicycle classes and events, and submitting photos for an online contest. Participants can track their progress on competition leaderboards throughout the month. At the end of October, grand prizes will be awarded to the top individuals and teams, including bike backpacks and $100 gift cards from REI. In addition, all participants will be entered to win weekly random drawings for $75 REI gift cards.
As an extra incentive for new bicycle commuters, participants who try a pedal-powered commute for the first time will earn bonus points. Plus, all teams will be required to have at least one new bicycle commuter on the roster.
“Many bike commuters cite the influence of friends in getting started, so we’re encouraging employers, co-workers and neighbors to create teams to motivate each other and have some fun,” said Atlanta Bicycle Coalition executive director Rebecca Serna. “Biking to work is the perfect way for busy commuters to multitask, get fit and save money while contributing to cleaner air and safer communities.”
Employers looking to improve their sustainability or health and wellness goals can support the Bike to Work Challenge by encouraging their employees to sign up, helping to organize teams and hosting educational events about bicycle commuting. Information, materials and support are available online.
To find out more and to register, visit www.atlbiketowork.org. Registration opens on August 27, and the first 100 people to register will receive Bike to Work Challenge water bottles and wrist bands.
About The Clean Air Campaign
The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with more than 1,600 Georgia employers, tens of thousands of commuters and more than 300 K-12 schools to encourage actions that result in less traffic congestion and better air quality. In conducting these programs, The Clean Air Campaign works in partnership with The Georgia Department of Transportation.
The Clean Air Campaign, along with partner organizations, creates customized commute options programs for employers; provides assistance and financial incentives to commuters that enable the use of commute alternatives; and empowers students, parents and teachers to play a positive role in reducing traffic and improving air quality through an action-oriented school program. The Clean Air Campaign also protects public health by distributing Smog Alert notifications.
Each day, these programs reduce 1.4 million miles of vehicle travel and keep 700 tons of pollution out of the air we breathe. For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) or visit CleanAirCampaign.org.
About The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition
The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is the region’s voice for better biking, working to create a healthier, more sustainable Atlanta by making it safer, easier, and more attractive to bicycle for fun, fitness, and transportation. Previously known as the Atlanta Bicycle Campaign, the non-profit organization was founded in 1990 to promote bicycle transportation in metro Atlanta through advocacy, example and membership.
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