2nd annual Kansas City Bicycle Commuter Challenge May 17-21, 2004

During the week of May 17-21, 2004, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) will challenge residents throughout the Kansas City region to abandon their cars and bike to work as part of the second annual Bicycle Commuter Challenge (BCC).

More than 230 bicyclists pedaled 7,765 miles during last year's competition and even more are expected to accept the challenge this year. Participants must register by May 14, 2004.

The goal of the BCC is to reduce traffic congestion, help keep the air clean, and improve personal health. Participants will report their miles biked when they arrive at work each day. The winning team and individual will be those with the most miles biked to work. MARC representatives will present awards at the Kansas City Corporate Challenge (KCCC) awards banquet in July to the first through third place teams and individuals. Winners will receive prizes including binoculars, pedometers, water bottles, gift certificates, sports bags, bicycle repair kits and more.

To organize this region-wide competition, MARC teamed up with 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).

The BCC is a fun and competitive arena for citizens to explore different modes of transportation. Commuters who wish to combine bicycling 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. Information on bus routes can be found on the web at www.kcata.org or by calling 816/221-0660.

The goal of the Explore KC public education campaign is to increase the number of citizens that bike or walk to work, to school and for exercise. Partnering with Corporate Challenge increases participation in the BCC while exposing a new audience to bicycle, pedestrian, environmental and health messages. MARC is also sponsoring the Corporate Challenge bike race May 22 at the Kansas Speedway.

For rules, registration, and contact info, visit the BCC web site.