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Active Commute Week: Walk, Roll + Ride

Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition
Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition
5/07/15 04:02pm
metro Nonprofit Dispatches

This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.

Fourth Active Commute Week Set for May 11-15 expected to grow with new Bike Train Program
Ride the Rapid and Bicycle for an Active Commute

Ride the Rapid and Bicycle for an Active Commute

Active Commute Week Event Dates

MONDAY-FRIDAY, MAY 11-15 – Active Commute Week Challenge: Individuals and employers may track active trips using The Rapid’s West Michigan Rideshare program. Daily drawings feature prizes from local businesses. Details – sponsors, workshops, resources for new riders and registration – available at ACWGR.org.

 

FRIDAY, MAY 15 – Bike to Work Day Pit Stops: Active commuters are invited to visit local Pit Stops from 7 - 9am where they can enjoy in free refreshments and giveaways. There are numerous Pit Stops across the metro area – check the Pit Stop map to find one near your route.

 

FRIDAY, MAY 15 – Bike to Work Day Bicycle Trains: Experienced cyclists will lead Bike Trains to common destinations throughout Grand Rapids. Riders of all experience levels are encouraged to join a train at various rendezvous points – including Pit Stops, bus stops and other well-known points of interest. Find maps, train leader contact info and register at ACWGR.org/BikeTrains.

 

MONDAY, MAY 18 – Handlebar Happy Hour: Presenting Sponsor Brewery Vivant (925 Cherry St. SE) will host a social event from 4:30 to 7:30pm to wrap-up Active Commute Week 2015. The event is free and open to the public and will feature door prizes and the presentation of the Active Commute Week Challenge awards.

The Greater Grands Rapids Bicycle Coalition's (GGRBC) fourth annual Active Commute Week, set for May 11-15, is during the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike to Work Week. During the week, commuters of all ages, occupations and fitness levels are encouraged to use active transportation. The Active Commute Week Challenge allows participants and teams to earn points for using active transportation, including bicycling, walking, riding The Rapid, carpooling, running, long-boarding, or inline skating.

The goal of Active Commute Week is to raise awareness about the health, economic and environmental benefits of active travel. During the 2014 Active Commute Week Challenge, more than 1,000 active commute trips were logged and 23 businesses and universities (including Steelcase, Grand Valley State University, Calvin College and more) competed. Organizers anticipate substantial growth for this year’s event.

Participants may register and log daily trips through The Rapid’s mobile-friendly online West Michigan Rideshare program. Prizes will be awarded throughout the week with special recognition given to those who log the most trips and those who log the most miles.

“This year we’re excited to announce the addition of Bike Trains; small groups of people cycling together along a route that takes them to work, school or other destinations” said GGRBC Executive Director Tom Tilma. “It’s easier to form and stick to healthy habits that Active Commute Week encourages when you have the support of like-minded people.”

Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell once again will ride his bicycle from his home to work on Friday, May 15. This will represent the fifth consecutive year in which Mayor Heartwell has participated in National Bike to Work Day.

Don't miss the Active Commute Week culmination networking mixer/awards ceremony, Handlebar Happy Hour, on May 18 from 4:30 to 7:30 at Brewery Vivant.  Area businesses and organizations like Velocity USA, Grand Rapids Bicycle Company, turnstone, West Michigan Bike and Fitness, The Rapid,The Lantern Coffee Bar and Lounge, San Chez Bistro, Mercy Health and more have donated over $3000 in awards and door prizes. Active Commute Participants (those who have logged at least one active commute trip in Rideshare) will recieve a free beverage token courtesy of Brewery Vivant.  All Active Commute Week Enthusiasts can enjoy free appetizers and are eliglible to enter to win door prizes.  

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