The Rapid is encouraging riders to tune up their bikes, dust off their running/walking shoes or purchase a Rapid bus pass because Active Commute Week starts on June 20. Beginning Monday and continuing through Friday, June 24, commuters of all ages, occupations and fitness levels are encouraged to use active transportation to get around.
The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition’s (GGRBC) Active Commute Week allows individual participants and teams to earn points for using active transportation, including bicycling, walking, riding The Rapid, carpooling, running, long-boarding or inline skating.
Grand Rapids' fifth annual Commute Week set an attendance record for local business participation, including The Rapid and at least 30 employers whose companies or organizations have enrolled in the 2016 event kicking off Monday.
The goal of Active Commute Week is to raise awareness about the health, economic and environmental benefits of active travel. The record is based on the 30 employers who are already registered for the 2016 event – including Steelcase, Grand Valley State University, Calvin College and more – surpassing the 17 businesses and universities that participated last year and since its 2011 inaugural debut.
It’s fast, easy and free to register by completing the individual form. Please note the organization when signing up if applicable. Participants will be notified by The Rapid when their account is ready. Participants can track trips on the West Michigan RideShare site.
The deadline for logging trips is at 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 24, so we can tabulate results. Participants also have the opportunity to log their intended evening trips by noon Friday as well. Aside from logging trips, don’t miss these awesome Active Commute Week events:
Bike to Work Day Bike Trains: June 24th, 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Bike commuters are invited to join each other in mutual support through organized Bike Trains. Experienced bicycle commuters will lead Bike Trains to destinations through Grand Rapids. All levels are encouraged.
Pit Stops: June 24th, 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Organizations compete for best support station for those participating in an active morning commute! Check out the list of pit stops to visit for your Friday commute.
Handlebar Happy Hour: June 24th, 4:30p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Long Road Distillers
Bike, bus, or walk to meet up with other active commuters to wrap up West Michigan’s fifth annual Active Commute Week! Door prizes will be up for grabs and Active Commute Week Challenge and Pit Stop winners will be announced.
There’s more than just a pat on the back involved in your success as an Active Commute Week participant. Individuals and employer teams will be awarded for their active commutes based on who logs the highest number of total trips and the highest number of total miles for walking, cycling, riding the bus and carpooling. Prizes include $100 Meijer gift cards, bus passes, bike helmets and more!
It’s not too late to sign up. Register here.
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