Registration is under way for the Bike to Work Challenge, which runs through Oct. 28.
Team registration is under way through Oct. 5 at www.atlbiketo
work.org for the challenge, organized by the Clean Air Campaign, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, the Atlanta Regional Commission’s RideSmart division, and local transportation management associations. Individuals can register throughout the program, which runs from Oct. 1 to Oct. 28.
The first 100 people to register will receive Bike to Work Challenge water bottles and wristbands.
Individuals and teams of two to five people will earn points throughout October by riding their bikes to work, participating in bike classes and events, and submitting photos in an online contest.
Grand prizes include bike backpacks and $100 gift cards from REI. Participants also will be entered to win weekly random drawings for $75 REI gift cards.
Bicycling is the world’s most popular form of transportation and offers numerous health benefits and significant cost savings. In metro Atlanta, an estimated 20,000 commute trips are made weekly on bikes, organizers say.
Clean Air Campaign Executive Director Tedra Cheatham is urging cycling enthusiasts to participate. She said it is a challenge for commuters, whether they are experienced cyclists or not, to see how much they can improve their commute.
“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,” Cheatham said. “This event offers the perfect motivation to try something new.”
Registered participants will be able to log their bicycle commute trips online, track their progress and earn points to compete for prizes. Grand prizes will be awarded at the end to the top individuals and teams. Teams will be required to have at least one new bicycle commuter on the roster.
Rebecca Serna, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition executive director, said many bike commuters cite the influence of friends in getting started.
“We’re encouraging employers, co-workers and neighbors to create teams to motivate each other and have some fun,” Serna said. “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.”
For more information, materials and support, visit www.atlbiketowork.org.
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