kccommuter

I know this is just asking for it, but I think there are a number of people here who really want to do something to help more people join us to enjoy all the benefits of cycling. Last year, I was involved with a pilot bike challenge in Wisconsin to motivate more people to bike more often. Working with the state bicycle advocacy group, a goal was set to achieve 1 million miles over a 4.5 month period (all types - transporation, commuting, road riding, mountain biking). Over 4500 riders joined and 1.2 million miles were achieved. Even more than that, we established a strong, solid community of connected riders in Wisconsin.

Now Bikes Belong and the League of American Bicyclists are working to launch this free and fun program nationally in the US. The goal is to have 50,000 riders achieve 10 million miles from May 1 - August 31. If this could be achieved, it is believed this would send a strong statement of solidarity that there are a significant number of people out there cycling. This would be helpful to ensure a representative share of the transportation funds are used to improve local cycling infrastructure.

Here is where I would appreciate your help/advice. There are currently over 1000 riders registered from 48 states (Wyoming and North Dakota - where are you?). Additionally, over 30 local and state bike advocacy groups have joined forces to help get the word out. Publicity just began 10 days ago at the National Bike Summit and is planned to ramp up in the next 3 weeks. Do you think this type of challenge would help motivate people in your area? If so, what do you think would be the best way to reach out and share this with local riders (and people that are thinking of cycling, but haven't in years)? You can check out the National Bike Challenge at www.nationalbikechallenge.org

Thanks for yor help.

gmt13

Like most local or employer based challenges, I'd guess that most of the participants are those that do the challenge activities anyway so motivating people to change is probably not more effective.

Roody

quitter

Roody

Thanks for spreading the word on this positive effort to spread the word on cycling. I'm joining, and sharing it with friends on facebook. I'm also sure you won't mind if I post the link on the Living Carfree subforum.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...1#post14048251

Roody

and there are PRIZES!!!


video

Daves_Not_Here

I think if you've found success in Wisconsin, then the proof is in the pudding. Beyond the miles logged, were the goals achieved? If so, it seems like you should just continue doing what you did.

This is probably obvious, but I'd suggest tapping into the existing cycling-related social networks and events -- touring and racing clubs, charity rides, and online forums.

As to how to reach non-cyclists, it might be helpful to determine how people who have recently taken up cycling found their way to the sport. In my case, I was invited to participate in a charity ride by a peer, so I think charity events are an excellent gateway drug to cycling.

kccommuter

Roody and Daves_Not_Here,

Thanks for the insights and the post in Living Carfree (we are not quite carfree, but carlight) . You have given me more to ponder, which is a good thing. The charity rides are a good idea. Thanks!

gmt13

No, not hardly. The OP asked if " Do you think this type of challenge would help motivate people in your area?" and I offered my opinion. Challenges are fun and allow us to feel like we're doing something. And if there are prizes, so much the better. They tend to achieve some good press, and that's worth something. Motivating people to do something, though, is not likely to be as successful. Using the OPs own stats (4.5 months, 4500 riders, and 1.2 million miles) I calculate an average of 60 miles per month per rider. I don't call that motivated.

I do plan to join up though and have fun with the rest.

-G

kccommuter

Hi G, You are correct that some may not consider a rider that bikes 60 miles per month very motivated. However, what if that rider had biked 0 miles in the previous year or more. And that is one of the key points of this challenge, to help motivate people to get back on a bicycle, even if the last time they rode was when they were a child. The prize levels are set up so that it takes only 3 days of riding to make it to the bronze level. Thanks for your insight and look forward to seeing you out there. I'll keep an eye out for Durham - I just checked and you guys are in 109th place with 8 riders. But this is just the pre-season and we expect many more riders as the word gets out over the next 3 weeks. Good luck to ya!