Bicycle Commuter Contest 2010 Results

The 2010 Bicycle Commuter Contest is a wrap! 1336 couragous commuters signed up, and 938 of them turned in their mileage logs, in spite of nearly twice the normal rainfall for the month, with 22 days of measurable precipitation in May. Follw the links below to see how your team fared in various categories, and who rode the most days and miles in the individual categories. Thanks again for participating, and I look forward to seeing you next year! Stay tuned to this blog for further updates and news of interest.

Overall Team Placement
Top Team Results
Individual Results

BCC Award Ceremony This Saturday!!

Saturday, June 26 at 10 a.m. - Olympia Farmers Market stage

• We'll announce the winners of the many different categories in the Bicycle Commuter Contest and award prizes (need not be present to win).
• We'll hold a random drawing for a prize for those who turned in a mileage log and are present at the ceremony.
• We'll announce the winner of the drawing for the New Belgium Cruiser bicycle (the actual drawing will be a random electronic drawing that will occur today, and the winner will be notified immediately).

In other BCC News:

• Coupons have been mailed to everyone who turned in their mileage log. If you don't receive your envelope by the end of the week (June 26), contact me and I will make sure you get your coupons.
• We'll be sending out a survey soon, to assess our success, and gather as much information as we can to improve the BCC for next year and beyond. Please participate, or let me know if you don't receive the survey by June 28.

Many thanks to everyone who participated in BCC 2010- see you on Saturday!!

2010 BCC Overall Results are taking shape!

The mileage logs are in, and we're getting a picture of the participation in this year's Bicycle Commuter Contest. In spite of below-normal temperatures and almost double the average rainfall for the month of May, participation in the BCC remained strong. One especially encouraging detail is the high percentage of riders who followed through and turned in their mileage logs: up from 55% last year to 70% this year.

Overall Statistics:

• 65 Teams (52 Returned mileage reports)
• 1336 Registered (938 Turned in mileage logs = 70%)
• 350 First Time Participants = 26% of participants (201 turned in logs = 57%)
• 968 Veteran Participants (707 turned in logs = 73%)
• 84,452 miles = 3839 Gallons of Gasoline @22mpg and 101,342 lbs. CO2 @ 1.2 lb/mile
• 11,837 commute trips
• 4.4 mile avg. one way commute, Avg.13 days per rider, Avg. 90 miles per rider

Participation by age group:

• Juniors (to 11 yrs): 301 = 23% of participants (213 Logs = 70%)
• Youth (12-18 yrs): 49 = 4% of participants (24 Logs = 49%)
• Adults (19-59 yrs): 920 = 69% of participants (553 Logs = 60%)
• Seniors (60+ yrs): 52 = 4% of participants (39 Logs = 75%) 

 Team vs. Individual Participants: 

• Team Members: 1068 (765 returned mileage logs = 72%)
•  Individuals: 269 (163 returned mileage logs = 60%)

Better Late Than Never! Turn in your Mileage Log...

If you or someone you know participated in the 2010 Bicycle Commuter Contest, and has not turned in a mileage log yet, please do! Even if you only rode one day, we want to know about it! You can return the log in person to the Olympia Transit Center, or mail it to the address on the back of the form. Thanks so much for pedaling in May!

2010 Rider Profile #2: Joy Rogers

• What is your age? Screaming up too quickly on 53

• What is your occupation? Department assistant
• How many years have you been commuting by bike? This is my 3rd year
• How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? This is #3.
• How did you hear about the BCC? Thru the workplace
• Describe your current average or usual commute(distance, terrain, urban/rural, etc.) 13.5 miles round trip from Tumwater (urban), uphill and down.
• What got you started bike commuting? Partly the BCC and partly the supportive environment of my workplace
• How have you adapted your habits to make bike commuting work for you? Arising an hour earlier, adjusting the morning routine, planning work attire in advance and remembering to bring in work clothes on carpool days, planning and preparing the night before for the next day.
• What are some of the benefits you have experienced from commuting by bike? My husband and I are primary caretakers for my disabled mother, so we have very little discretionary time. We normally carpool together. He works 10-hour days with Mondays off, so bicycling provides flexibility: I don’t need to drive, don’t have to wait until he picks me up after 6 p.m., I don’t have to leave work early to catch the bus, and bicycling is quicker than the bus. Since bicycling also is an excellent aerobic workout, I’m not trying to find additional time for exercise. Plus, I love the quiet, the smell, the sounds, and the views on the way to work in the morning, before the traffic and hubbub begin. And riding home after work is a fabulous de-stressor. Benefits: Combining a great aerobic workout with transportation; gaining excellent use of commute time; enjoying a positive sensory experience on the way to work and arriving happy and in a good mood that generally carries thru the day; the exhilaration of zooming downhill part of the way home; savoring the views on the return trip, arriving home calmer and less stressed; the feeling of accomplishing something positive and good, that I was able to overcome challenges; knowing I am part of the solution, contributing to the “greater good”; and saving money- that's a lot of benefits!
• What are some of the challenges you have experienced, and how have you overcome them? In the beginning: getting started, staying motivated, and just being able to make it all the way to work. Sometimes it’s a challenge just to get out of bed at 5 a.m. (part of that is not leaving all the morning “duties” to my husband, such as feeding the dogs, getting mom set up, taking out the garbage, etc.). Feeling guilty for trading the dogs’ walking time for bicycling. Time is often a challenge—it would be so much quicker/easier to carpool with my husband, but then I’d miss all the benefits and euphoria of bicycling. This year, I also am recovering from a broken leg. The first few attempts were uncomfortable and a little painful, so I had to back off and take it slower, but bicycling is helping to strengthen and improve the leg much quicker than I expected.
• What is it that keeps you going, especially when the going is tough(weather, darkness, inertia, etc)? At first, it was the contest itself (not wanting to let the team down). Then all those benefits motivate me to continue. I was a real wimp about riding in the rain…until I actually rode in a downpour (without rain pants or proper shoes). Even though I was soaked to the bone from waist down, it wasn’t nearly as bad as expected and that felt good!
• How do you choose your route(most direct, least traffic, most scenic, etc)? Usually, the least uphills and traffic. Fortunately, there’s abundant scenery on any route, and since there is less traffic, I’m able to enjoy it more.
• What style of bike do you ride to commute? Currently, it’s an inexpensive Schwinn hybrid I bought at Fred Meyer a few years ago, when hubby and I were purely occasional recreational cyclists. However, I’m seriously considering something more comfortable and fitting for commuting.
Ed. note: See the new Trek above! It's a Trek (women-specific design) 7.3XL. "Picked it up Saturday, rode it this morning. Woo hoo! The hills were a breeze in comparison to the other bike!"
• Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter? Take one of the urban cycling courses! It’s well worth the time and money. Before I took the course, I was very hesitant to ride in traffic because there were certain circumstances I didn’t know how to deal with. The course was excellent, the instructors are marvelous, and now I have lots more confidence on the road!

Another event Saturday June 5- donate your old bike!

Celebrate National Trails Day this Saturday June 5!

Meet from Noon to 1PM at the "T" intersection of the Woodland Trail and the Chehalis Western Trail for light snacks and a celebration.
Before that, you can help restore our trail system by participating in one of three work parties:
Saturday, June 5

1. 9 AM In Olympia to put mulch mats on our newly-planted trees at the Fones Road Crossing of the Woodland Trail. Contact Jack Horton (360)
   
2. 9 AM In Lacey for invasive species removal at Woodland Creek Community Park at the east end of the Woodland Trail. Contact Lori Flemm (360)701-6814
   
3. 9 AM In Thurston County for invasive species removal at the Chambers Lake Trailhead of the Chehalis Western Trail. Contact Kerry Hibdon at (360)867-2181

Enjoy the trails: ride your bike or longboard; skate or walk. Just get to the intersection of the Woodland Trails and the Chehalis Western Trail by Noon!If you are not familiar with this location, call Jack Horton (360)789-0944 for directions.

BCC 2010 Wraps up- time to return mileage logs!

What a wet May! By my count, it rained or showered on 19 days in May. 1332 people registered for the Bicycle Commuter Contest this year, let's see how many actually rode their bikes rain or shine!

Please turn in your completed, legible mileage log by Monday, June 7 at the Olympia Transit Center, 222 State Ave NE in downtown Olympia, or mail it to:
Bicycle Commuter Contest
c/o Intercity Transit
P.O. Box 659
Olympia, WA 98507-0659

Remember to count the miles you rode in the Earth Day ride if you participated, and to count your "double" miles if you rode on Bike To Work Day, May 21. Check the box if you want to be entered to win the New Belgium Cruiser bike in our free drawing. We also have lots of great coupons for everyone who turns in a mileage log, and many excellent prizes for those who rode the extra mile or the extra day!

Don't miss the Award Ceremony at the Farmers Market on Sat. June 26 at 10am!

First Rider Profile for 2010: Jennifer "Will" Granger

Jennifer "Will" Granger is almost 29, rides a bike named Tiffany, and bounces back from a close encounter with a turning truck.
What is your occupation?
I'm the front office coordinator at one of the clinics of South Sound Physical and Hand Therapy. We have a 5 person team doing the commuter contest and several others who also jumped on board.

How long have you been commuting by bike?
I bought my bike only about nine months ago. I've ridden her (her name is Tiffany) to work a few times, but this month is the first I have really made an effort. I've driven my car exactly twice total since May 1st. Both times involved bike repairs. I love starting my day with a ride and I can't believe how much easier it's gotten in just the past month.


How many times have you participated in the Bicycle Commuter Contest? This is the first of many, I hope!

How did you hear about the BCC? I think I found one of the info booklets in Dancing Goats coffee shop. My coworkers were putting me to shame running and going to the gym on their lunch breaks. I used to be really active and had slacked off the past few years, so I thought this would be a good way to get active again. My coworkers joined in too, so we keep each other motivated.

Describe your current average or usual commute I don't go very far at all in terms of to and from work. I live on the west side about 2.5 miles from the clinic. That giant hill is INSANE though. On the way to work when I am headed down hill, I avoid the traffic and the terror of being half upside down on Harrison by going over to 4th or 5th. Wet brakes make that hill particularly challenging for me in the rain. When I head home from work, my challenge is just to get up the hill at all. I call it my hillnemesis and judge my progress by how much of it I can ride vs walk. I only walk about two blocks of it now. When I started, I was walking before I even got through both roundabouts.

What got you started bike commuting? I knew I wanted to commute by bike when I bought my bike back in August, but it really took the bike commuter contest to get me actually doing it. I'm a very competitive person, so it works well to motivate me. The trick will be keeping it up, but I have trouble imagining going back to driving everyday. I'm cranky just thinking about not riding!

How have you adapted your habits to make bike commuting work for you?
Yes, I've gotten used to getting very wet. Other than that, I do have to plan things out a little better sometimes, think more about how long it will take me to get someplace not juts in terms of distance but also terrain. I've been doing all of my errands by bike as well as riding to and from work, so I grocery shop much more often in order to carry smaller loads that will fit in my backpack.

What are some of the benefits you have experienced from commuting by bike?
Well I know I'm in far better shape than when I started and I'm happier. I even drink less coffee now! That's kind of a miracle.I'm also much more aware of all the little amazing parts of Olympia. It's amazing what you miss driving all the time! Like 7 oars park: that place is really cool; it's this gorgeous little haven right off the crazy busy roundabouts headed west from downtown. I never took notice of it when I drove everywhere, but I've stopped and chilled there several times just in the past month, especially early on when I couldn't make it all the way to the second roundabout without stopping to walk. I've ridden to and from Evergreen a couple of times for events. Both times I was in awe of all the stuff to look at on the way. That's a really nice ride.I also haven't bought gas all month. That one has been fantastic!

What are some of the challenges you have experienced, and how have you overcome them? I’ve had a few. The most notable by far is that I got hit by a truck about a week into May. She was headed for a parking lot and made a right turn without checking the bike lane. I sprained my ankle and got a bunch of bruises, and my bike needed a wheel trued. I was very very lucky that that was all. Also lucky that I work for South Sound Therapy. I took personal advantage of the free consults our therapists do and had my ankle checked out to make sure nothing too serious was going on. The next morning was one of the times I drove my car, but I took my bike in to the Bike Stand, had them fix up my wheel and was back on my bike for errands that evening. My ankle’s still a bit ouchy, but it doesn’t hurt when I’m riding and it’s pretty good rehab for it.
I am MUCH more defensive when I ride now though. I make my intentions very clear and watch like a hawk for turn signals and where drivers are looking (or not looking!) My other notable challenges were going half the month with no fenders and arriving everywhere soaked, and a seemingly permanent flat that persisted after 2 new tubes. The awesome folks at the Bike Stand tracked it down to a teensy thorn inside the tire, but it was a frustrating few days of riding on a slowly deflating tire.

What is it that keeps you going, when the going is tough (weather, darkness, inertia, etc)? I have to turn in my mileage calendar and all the people on my team are going to wonder what's on it; I'm going to feel stupid if it's empty. Silly as it sounds that's what kept me going at first. It’s the one little difference between all the times I'd said I would do this and me actually doing it. I guess you could say that peer pressure keeps me going! Now that I'm in the habit, it just makes me feel good. It makes mornings easier to deal with and I sleep better at night. I’m also really really stubborn. I’m not about to let a truck, some rain, or a flat tire win.

How do you choose your route? In terms of commuting, I look for the way that is going to be the easiest ride: least elevation change, shortest, etc. Then I look to see what the safety concerns are. Of course, an easy ride isn't going to make me bike a crazy busy two lane road with no shoulders when there is an alternative. Rain changes my route some as I want to avoid going down steep hills with a lot of traffic due to the challenge of braking quickly in the rain.
If I’m just going out for a ride just for the sake of riding, I try for a scenic route that will make me sweat but not want to die at the end. I like riding to evergreen and back. It’s a pretty ride that’s about the perfect distance and difficulty if I want to challenge myself a bit.

What style of bike do you ride to commute? Tiffany is a mid 80's KHS triathlete pro road bike with the drop bars and all that jazz. I've added lights, a horn, and fenders to make her more communing friendly . I bought her from an awesome guy named Bill who was reluctant to let her go, but I promised her a great home. She’s a great bike with a lot of personality: teal and purple with white grips and accents. She looks like she may take you out in an alley, sing "I Think We're Alone Now" and give you mall hair. So far, this hasn't happened but I try not to turn my back on her for too long. Someday I'll probably spring for a frame that fits me a little better, but I am head over heals in love with Tiffany. Bill, if you read this, Thank you!

Any words of wisdom for the beginning commuter?
Just start doing it. Set a day to start and don't stop. It's going to be hard at first and it's going to rain and be cold; ride through it. It's totally and completely worth it. Oh, and keep an eye out for cars turning right.

Frequent Rider Rewards

In the Bicycle Commuter Contest, everybody wins! Everyone who turns in their mileage log will receive an envelope of 24 valuable coupons to popular local businesses. For those who ride at least ten days, that envelope will be a little fatter, with 7 extra coupons, to Deschutes River Cyclery, OlyBikes, Old School Pizzeria, the Olympia Food Coop, Orca Books, Rainy Day Records, and for a free long-stem rose at Ralph's Thriftway!

It's late in the month, but there is still time to get in some more bike commuting days on your mileage log, and earn those Frequent Rider coupons!
Be sure to turn in your log by June 7 to make sure you get your coupons and are eligible for prizes and the free New Belgium bike drawing, announced at our Sat. June 26 Awards Ceremony at the Olympia Farmers Market- 10 am on the main stage!

Last week to record miles for the BCC!

There's one more week to get your mileage up, and record the miles you've ridden in May for the Bicycle Commuter Contest. How a month does fly by! Please remember to record the miles you've ridden to work, school or on errands this May on your BCC mileage log, and return it in person to the Olympia Transit Center, or by mail to the address on your mileage log.

Don't let a little rain stop you (but do slow down, as your brakes won't respond as well, and the streets can be a little slick). This morning was damp, but it's not actually so unpleasant to ride in the spring sprinkle. The fresh air, the fresh rain on your face- it's good for the skin! So keep pedaling your way towards a nice envelope of valuable coupons, and maybe even a prize!

If you'd like to be interviewed for a "Rider Profile" to be featured on this blog, email me at dgreen@intercitytransit.com

Bike To Work and School Day Activities a Success!

Photo by Jim Colt, WSDOT

Interagency Bike Ride

Members of the Intercity Transit BCC team "Crank IT" participated in the Interagency Bike Ride during the noon hour, and were rewarded with not only goodies from the Bicycle Alliance and Maple-Bacon donuts from Twisters Donuts, but a break in the weather, as the afternoon shaped up into a pretty nice day. Nearly 60 riders turned out for the ride altogether, despite the threatening weather at the outset.

Bike to School Day

The late May cold, wind, and rain did not stop students, parents, and teachers from making a good show at Pioneer Elementary School in Olympia on National Bike to School Day. 108 Pioneer students (30 percent of the student body) rode their bikes to school. Countless other students walked or rode their scooters. The bike racks are filled beyond their holding capacity. Parent volunteers Stacey Brewster and Denise Pantelis distributed green bicycle lapel pins, provided by Intercity Transit, to students who rode their bikes to school.



Bike To Work Day

Around 150 dedicated bike commuters stopped at the City of Olympia's Bike Stations between 7 and 9 am on Friday, many of them participants in the Bicycle Commuter Contest. BCC participants received as thank-you gifts: 15 Planet Bike light sets, 60 Planet Bike rear flashing lights, and many reflective leg bands from Jandd Mountaineering. The City had muffins, bananas, Clif Bars and their own reflective leg bands, plus coupons for local bike shops.

Bike To Work on Friday to support Number One Bike Friendly State!

The Thurston Bicycle Commuter Contest has been recognized by the League of American Bicyclists and contributes to Washington State's ranking as the League's Number One Bike Friendliest State since 2008. Cyclists like you, participating in the BCC, and commuting year-round by bike, are putting our community and our state on the map and in the minds of cyclists and bicycle advocates across the country. Support that recognition and our number one status by riding your bike to work or school tomorrow: Friday, May 21; National Bike-To-Work Day and Bike To School Day. Who knows what the weather holds in store, but what do we care? We are the vanguard and the example that other states across the nation aspire to emulate. Let's show them we won't be daunted by a "chance of showers", and be out on the roads in force (and in Gore Tex if necessary!) for National Bike To Work Day!
Remember that you can record double miles on your BCC mileage log on May 21.

Part of Woodland Trail closed today

A section of the Woodland Trail will be closed today from 7am to 5pm as crews work to clear homeless camps from the area. The affected area is from Eastside St. to Frederick St. There is a convenient alternate route- just use the old bike lane (for Westbound travel) on Wheeler Ave., next to I-5. For eastbound travel, I would ride at the right edge of the regular lane on Wheeler Ave., or take the Eastside St. Bike Lane up around the curve onto 22nd Ave, turn left at Wilson, jog right at 18th, then left onto Frederick, and rejoin the Woodland Trail at the bottom of the hill.

National Bike Week - May 17 - 21

(Click here or on the title for more info)
May is National Bike Month, this week is National Bike Week, and this Friday is National Bike To Work Day, the peak of bicycle commuting activities around the country. Here in Olympia, Washington, we're in the midst of the 23rd Annual Bicycle Commuter Contest and participation is high despite the economy. This week the weather is showery, but we're used to that here. Our many sponsors are really coming through with lots of great prizes this year- so much so that I'm thinking of adding some prize categories, including tracking the weather, and awarding prizes to those who ride the most rainy days! So keep pedaling through the rain, and you might just get a nice reward for it! We have super-fantastic prizes from many local sponsors as well as the bike gear shown in an earlier post, and much more! In the BCC, everyone wins and receives a great packet of coupons, plus around 10 percent of our participants will win prizes on top of that.
Bike safely, and enjoy the ride!

Synergy Conference at Evergreen

Click the title for info about Evergreen's annual Sustainable Living Conference, featuring the first annual Alternative Transportation Fair, and guest speaker Willie Weir .

Ciclovia Street Films

Click the title for a link to a website "Documenting Livable Streets Worldwide"
Hmmm, could we do something like this in Olympia?
Visit www.evergreenbikeshop.blogspot.com for more info...

BCC Prizes

Just a few of the many great prizes awaiting many of our participants this year!
Keep logging those miles and remember to turn in your mileage log by June 7 to be eligible for prizes and the New Belgium Bike drawing! Have a great weekend!

Bike the Deschutes - July 25

Click on the title to find out more about this great local event!

Bike To Work Day on the Today Show (!?!)

Click the title to see the mainstream media's take on Bike To Work Day...