Explore KC--Bicycle & Pedestrian Commuter Challenge--May 19-23

Those who walk or bike to work May 19-23, 2003, could reap big rewards
During the week of May 19-23, 2003, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) will challenge residents throughout the entire Kansas City region to abandon their cars and walk or bike to work that week. Those who do, and who officially enter the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commuter Competition (BPCC), will not only reduce traffic congestion, help keep the air clean, and improve their personal health, they will also be eligible for a variety of prizes including binoculars, pedometers, water bottles, sports bags, bicycle repair kits and more.

To organize this region-wide competition, MARC teamed up with Kansas City Corporate Challenge (KCCC) and Johnson County Transit (The JO), which is offering free transit that week to bike riders who want to use the bus for a part of their trip to work. The event is free and open to all residents of the eight-county metropolitan region (Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte and Ray counties in Missouri and Johnson, Leavenworth and Wyandotte in Kansas.)

Participants will report their miles biked or walked when they arrive at work each day. The winning team and individual will be those with the most miles biked or walked to work. MARC representatives will present awards at the KCCC awards banquet in July to the first through third place teams and individuals. Winners will be recognized for their accomplishments as well as receive exciting prizes.

The BPCC will create a fun and competitive arena for citizens to explore alternative modes of transport. Commuters who wish to combine bicycling or walking with public transit will be encouraged to do so and provided information on bus routes that accommodate bikes. All JO buses are equipped with bicycle racks and many KCATA routes now also have racks.

May 19-23 is going to be a fun week in the Kansas City region and the prizes for winners will be terrific! To learn more, e-mail us or call Aaron Bartlett at 816/474-4240.

Everyone must be signed up by May 12, so register now!


BPCC Safety Tips

* Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
* Plan your route by driving or walking it first. Try a practice commute on a weekend when traffic is light to find a safe route and determine how long the commute will take.
* Select a good pair of walking shoes and appropriate clothing if you plan to walk to work.
* Obey all traffic laws. Bicyclists have the same responsibilities as motorists.
* Carry drinking water and a mobile phone.
* Inspect bikes for safety concerns before every trip.
* Store clothing and business items in a bag on the side of the bicycle.
* Find a co-worker or friend who walks or bikes and commute with them.
* If you live a long distance from work, bicycle or walk to the nearest transit station and ride a bus the rest of the way.

For more information, or to register, visit the BPCC web site.

Aaron Bartlett
Bike/Ped Transportation Planner
Mid-America Regional Council
600 Broadway, Suite 300
Kansas City, MO 64105-1554
abartlett@marc.org
816.474.4240