Register for KC bike-to-work event by May 14th

During the week of May 17-21, 2004, citizens from all over the Kansas City region will leave their cars at home to compete in the 2nd annual second annual Bicycle Commuter Challenge (BCC). The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), Kansas City Corporate Challenge (KCCC), and Johnson County Transit (The JO) have teamed up for the second year to celebrate National Bike Month with this event. More than 230 bicyclists pedaled 7,765 miles during last year s competition and event organizers hope that even more accept the challenge this year. In other cities, thousands participate in similar events. The deadline to register for the BCC is May 14, 2004.

Register at www.marc.org/bcc

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 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.

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 way 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.

To interview one of the winners from the 2003 event, contact Andy Graham at 816/474-4240, or e-mail agraham@marc.org . For more information, please visit www.marc.org/bcc.