STEAMBOAT SPRINGS – The Yampa Valley Sustainability Council has announced a new month-long event as part of their 2018 Climate Action campaign. The Commuter Challenge is a friendly competition kicking of Saturday, May 26. It was created to inspire community members of all ages to walk, bike, bus or carpool.

“It’s one way as a community that we can come together and try to reduce our carbon emissions, which is one of the goals for our Climate Action campaign,” says Jaiya Ellis, program director for YVSC. “It doesn’t have to be every day; it’s about being aware and conscious. Even one day a week of not driving your car is a start.”

The Commuter Challenge encourages participants to take the pledge to use alternative transportation. Categories consist of a family division, team division or solo riders.

-Family Team: doesn’t have to be the same family, but must have at least one child and one adult on the team (up to six members).

-Adult Team: team consist of four members. You may have many different teams from the same company or a group of like-minded friends.

-Solo Rider: competes alone.

·      Take the pledge to walk, cycle, carpool or take the bus during the challenge.

·      Compete against other teams and riders to see who can log the most alternative transportation miles/trips.

·      Team leaders (or a solo rider) will log your daily miles or trip numbers onto the Google Sheet.

·      Team and individual results will be updated weekly.

YVSC will offer events throughout the month. Sign-in sheets will be present at each event. Earn points as a solo rider or for your team for attendance. Points will be taken into account when calculating winning teams and individuals at the end of the month.

Tuesday, May 29
6:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Powder Day Donuts
941 Lincoln Ave.
Steamboat Springs, CO

Mention the Commuter Challenge Donut Special and receive two donuts + coffee for $4. 

Wednesday, June 27
7-9 a.m.
Ski Haus Bike to Work Breakfast
1457 Pine Grove Road
Steamboat Springs, CO

Ski Haus will be celebrating Colorado Bike to Work day with a free pancake breakfast.

Wednesday, June 27
4:30-6 p.m.
Commuter Challenge Celebration Party
Howelsen Hill Pavilion
845 Howelsen Parkway
Steamboat Springs, CO

Winners will be announced at 5:30 p.m.

The Commuter Challenge is run by a team of dedicated volunteers from Smartwool, Big Agnes, Ski Haus, Deer Park Road Corporation, Northwest Colorado Health and YVSC.

For more information visit http://www.yvsc.org/commuter-challenge/