Morris Residents: Enjoy a Pedal Commute in May with the Bike to Work Challenge

Published on April 03, 2018

Registration Opens for MAY RIDES via TransOptions --Ride Alone or Form a Team

Escape the normal commuting routine by employing a healthier way to work next month by pedaling to the office via the annual Bike to Work Challenge sponsored by nonprofit TransOptions, an organization that delivers programs and services that improve mobility in Northwest Jersey.

Bike to Work Challenge logo features a silhouetted bike rider (PNG, 30KB)

Commuters throughout North Jersey are encouraged to tune up their bicycles now, rejoice that it's spring, and incorporate a bike ride into their commute. Registration opens today, Tuesday April 3, and the competition will run the entire month of May. The Bike to Work Challenge coincides with National Bike Month.

The challenge is a free, friendly competition where both expert and beginner bicycle riders have the chance to win prizes in multiple categories. Riders can create an online profile at GoForGood.TransOptions.org and track their bicycle commute trips and miles from May 1st to May 31st.

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The challenge doesn't need to be a challenge! Participants can drive to a Park & Ride and ride the rest of the way to work, or bike to a train station or take their bicycle on the bus. Commuting every day by bicycle is not required, but every ride gives participants a greater chance of winning bigger prizes.

Participants have the option to either form a team or compete solo. They can invite friends or coworkers to join them as a way to add accountability and gain chances to win additional prizes. Riders are encouraged to team up with up to four other bike buddies at any time during the Bike to Work Challenge.

Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo(JPG, 41KB) Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo

The Bike to Work Challenge is a great way for Morris County residents to take advantage of the beautiful spring weather while getting exercise and helping the environment, said Freeholder Kathy DeFillippo. We thank TransOptions for offering this program and for the support they provide to residents who are new to bike commuting by helping them plan safe routes to and from work.

A recent study in the Journal of Transport & Health shows that taking a bike to work creates a higher level of well-being than other methods of commuting, particularly driving alone. Additionally, exercise like bicycle commuting increases brain function in the morning, improving mood and increasing work production.

With a little planning almost anyone can start right away. Here are some tips:

  • Arrive Fresh at Work:
  • Ride at a cruising speed. Don't race.
  • Avoid wearing a backpack. Use a cross-body bag or a front basket to carry gear.
  • Wear a cycling cap under your helmet to avoid helmet hair.
  • Wear breathable fabrics like linen in summer or merino wool in cooler weather.
  • Stash a change of clothes at work.
  • Consider adding mud-guards to your bike.

    Rider Tim Smith bikes to the bus station and commutes via bus.(JPG, 47KB) Rider Tim Smith bikes to the bus station and commutes via bus.

Reduce the distance:

  • Bike to the train station, bus stop or a co-worker's house to carpool.
  • Take your bike on the train: NJ Transit rules are here.

Ride Safe:

  • Avoid busy roads.
  • Let TransOptions help plan your commuting route.
  • Ride carefully, predictably and always using appropriate signals.
  • Use reflective tape on your clothes, backpack, pedals, helmet
  • Always use a white light in the front and a red light in the back. NJ law requires this!

Save some cash:

Most importantly. enjoy the trip to and from work!

TransOptions offers bike riders of all ages and skill levels FREE bike training courses with League of American Bicyclist certified coaches. For more information, call 973-267-7600.

For more information on the 2018 Bike to Work Challenge, visit GoForGood.TransOptions.org or call TransOptions at (973) 267-7600.

Register on the TransOptions website or download the TransOptions' GoForGood app, available for free on Google Play or the App Store. The app offers ride tracking, reminders, challenge information and more.

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