Bike to Work Challenge Launches in October

September 12,2013

Last year, more than 1,000 metro Atlanta commuters traded their steering wheels for handlebars and participated in the first-ever Bike to Work Challenge. More than 17,000 bike trips were logged, eliminating some 130,000 miles of car travel from the road and 64 tons of pollution from the air. This October, bicycle commuters, new and seasoned, can cycle their way to work and compete for prizes in the second annual Bike to Work Challenge.

Organized by the Georgia Department of Transportation, The Clean Air Campaign, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, Atlanta Regional Commission and local transportation management associations, the second annual Bike to Work Challenge gives commuters the opportunity to compete as individuals or teams. By registering at www.atlbiketowork.org, participants will be able to log their bicycle commute trips, track their progress and compete for prizes.

“A growing number of Atlantans are interested in biking to work, whether it’s a single ride or by connecting with transit,” said Tedra Cheatham, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. “Bicycling to work can free you from traffic and provide many health benefits. Last year, both new and veteran bicycle commuters came out in full force and proved that Atlanta has a strong biking culture. We hope to see even greater participation this year.”

Individuals and teams of two to five people will earn points throughout the month of October by riding their bikes to work, attending instructional bike classes and submitting photos from their biking trips during an online Facebook contest. Participants can track their progress against leaderboards throughout the month. Top individual and team winners will be announced on Nov. 4. Prizes include Patagonia rain jackets and more.

As an extra incentive for new cyclists, participants who try a bike commute for the first time will get bonus points. Plus, all teams will be required to have at least one new cyclist.

Employers looking to improve their sustainability or health and wellness goals can support the Bike to Work Challenge by encouraging employees to register, helping organize teams and hosting bike events. Information, materials and support are available at www.atlbiketowork.org.

To find out more and register, visit www.atlbiketowork.org. The team registration deadline is Oct. 4, but individuals may continue to register through the end of the challenge.