The Bicycle Transportation Alliance is kicking off the 2011 Bike Commute Challenge with the help of the Portland Trail Blazers’ mascot, Blaze, and participants from NW Natural, Daimler, Providence, OHSU and other iconic Portland metro businesses.
On Wednesday, Aug. 31, starting at 4pm at the Rose Quarter Commons, these high-profile competitors will lay down the gauntlet—tricycle race style—and issue commute throwdowns against each other. Bike commute experts will also be on hand to talk about route planning, road safety and gear options (an array of bike commuter gear will be showcased).
The BTA’s Bike Commute Challenge is a free month-long friendly competition between workplaces to see who can bike to work more. Individuals at more than 1,200 businesses, nonprofits and public agencies across Oregon and SW Washington will bike to work this September.
Last year, nearly 11,000 participants logged over one million miles of bike commuting. For many, it’s a fun opportunity to try bike commuting for the first time with the support of coworkers. For others, it’s a chance to rally fellow employees in a fierce competition to out-bike a rival workplace. Workplaces compete in size and type categories and win prizes and prestige based on the percentage of trips made by bike.
WHO:
• Portland Trail Blazers Blaze
• Team participants/representatives of Portland metro businesses, including NW Natural, Daimler, Adidas, Providence, OHSU, and others
• Bike commute challenge experts
WHEN:
4pm-5pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2011
WHERE:
Rose Quarter Commons: One N. Center Court St., Portland, OR 97227
The Bike Commute Challenge receives support from many Oregon and Washington businesses with major support coming from Drive Less Save More, ODOT-Public Transit Division, and OHSU.
BTA Contact- Stephanie Noll, Programs Director, 503-290-4569
Drive Less Save More Contact- Kelly Bantle, 503-