BICYCLE COMMUTING GETS ROLLING
Community Event Provides Option to High Gas Prices
Olympia/Thurston County WA –This spring, Intercity Transit’s month-long, nationally recognized Bicycle Commuter Contest hits its 25th year. The monthly-long Bicycle Commuter Contest encourages new and veteran cyclists to ride to work, school, and on errands during May and rewards them with prizes, camaraderie, cash savings, and physical fitness.
With gas prices now more than $4 a gallon and increased concern about household budgets, climate change, energy conservation, and health, Intercity Transit, the event’s organizer, expects a good turnout this year. “Owning and operating a car is expensive; traveling by bike is virtually free,” says Intercity Transit Authority Chair, Martin Thies. “In a single act, you can reduce the energy you use, the money you spend, and your impact on the planet.”
Participants simply register in April, ride their bicycles in May, and record their miles traveled. “Commute trips,” defined as trips to work, to school, and on errands by bicycle, count toward contest prizes. Rides taken for recreation do not count, as the program rewards only trips that might otherwise be made by car. To receive prizes, riders must return their completed mileage logs to Intercity Transit in early June. Every participant receives a packet of valuable coupons from area retailers. And many other prizes will be awarded in a number of categories based on individual and team participation.
Event registration begins April 1 and costs $5 for adults. Ages 18 and under register free. And, new this year, all students register free. Also new this year is online registration and payment at www.intercitytransit.com or www.bccblog.com. Registration forms are also available at area bike shops and the Olympia Transit Center. Organizers encourage teams to form and compete against each other for team prizes. Registration closes May 11.
“Bicycle commuting provides a built-in workout, saves on gas costs and automobile wear and tear, contributes to reducing air pollution, and supports individual and community health,” says the event’s coordinator, Duncan Green. “It’s a win-win-win for the individual, the community and the planet.”
The contest provides cycling tips and educational opportunities, a free bicycle safety check, and awards prizes and gifts to riders of all abilities and ages, thanks to generous donations from more than 50 sponsors and supporters. Cyclists also submit feedback on cycling conditions of roads, bike lanes and bike paths throughout Thurston County. Intercity Transit compiles this data and reports it to area jurisdictions, which consider the information when they make decisions about future bicycling infrastructure development.
For information about the Bicycle Commuter Contest and its related events, visit bccblog.com or contact Duncan Green, 360-705-5874, or Customer Service, 360-786-1881. You can also get contest information materials at local bicycle shops. Bike and Ride information is available in the agency’s Transit Guide, at the Olympia Transit Center, area Timberland Libraries and Safeway stores, or by contacting 360-786-1881, or www.intercitytransit.com.
Bicycle Commuter Contest Related Events
Earth Day Market Ride, Saturday, April 21, 9 – 11 am. A neighborhood bicycle ride to the Olympia Farmers Market in downtown Olympia where Intercity Transit will host a table. Visit bccblog.com, call 360-705-5874, or e-mail dgreen@intercitytransit.com.
Wrenchers Ball, Friday, April 27, bring your bike to the Olympia Transit Center, downtown Olympia between 7 am – 3 pm; pick it up by 5 pm. This popular annual bicycle safety-check event returns with bicycle mechanic volunteers providing minor repairs and safety checks to anyone registered for the community’s Bicycle Commuter Contest. Registration is available at the event. Visit bccblog.com, call 360-705-5874, or e-mail dgreen@intercitytransit.com.
