Starting May 1, RIDE Solutions encourages commuters in central and southwest Virginia to explore their transportation options by taking the Ride Smart Challenge.
The Challenge, now in its 10th year, is an opportunity for commuters to be rewarded for using an alternative transportation option for at least one day. By taking an online pledge to bike, walk, take the bus, carpool, or telework during May, commuters can do their part to keep money in the local economy, reduce congestion, improve regional air quality, and more – as well as earn chances to win gifts and prizes.
In addition to taking the pledge, commuters can join teams and compete by logging daily trips – including non-commute trips, such as social, dining, or non-commute business trips. “Not everyone has the option to change commute mode,” says Program Director Jeremy Holmes, “but that doesn’t mean you can’t walk to lunch, bike to the store, or take the bus to a friend’s house instead of driving. In fact, most trips people take aren’t commute related – there are many different ways to explore alternative transportation options this May.”
Participants can take the pledge online at ridesolutions.org/challenge. By taking the pledge and logging your trips, you will be entered into weekly prize drawings, including a RIDE Solutions branded growler.
“Using an alternative form of transportation, even one day a week, has immediate benefits for both commuters and our communities,” says Holmes. “It’s a simple way to enjoy the region’s many outdoor amenities, make our communities stronger and cleaner, keep money in the local economy, and actually have fun getting to work.”
The Ride Smart Challenge is one of several events organized by RIDE Solutions as a part of the Ride Smart Celebration. A full calendar of events can be found online at ridesolutions.org/ridesmart.
RIDE Solutions is a service of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, the New River Valley Regional Commission, Region 2000 Local Government Council, and the West Piedmont Workforce Investment Board.
