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Walk, roll, ride: Active Commute Week is May 12-16

Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition
Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition
5/06/14 02:41pm
metro Nonprofit Dispatches

This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.

Active Commute Week highlights the economic, health and environmental benefits of active transportation.

Active Commute Week in Grand Rapids from GRTV on Vimeo.

2014 Bike to Work Day Pit Stops

Thank you to those businesses and organizations participating  in this year's Bike to Work Day Pit Stops from 7-9 a.m. on Friday, May 16 : Grand Rapids Bicycle Company | 644 Lovett Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506Village Bike Shop | 450 Baldwin St, Jenison MI 49428The Spoke Folks | 221 Logan St SW , Grand Rapids MI 49503

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital | 220 Cherry St Grand Rapids, MI 49503

West Michigan Bike and Fitness (Grandville) | 4300 Chicago Dr SW, Grandville MI 49418

Grand Valley State University (@ Walker Firehouse Station) | 4101 Lake Michigan Dr, Walker, MI 49534

Adtegrity/Central District Cyclery | 52 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

Boston Square Community Bikes | 1260 Kalamazoo SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507

Gordon Food Service | 1300 Gezon Parkway, Wyoming, MI, 49548

Cycle Safe Inc. | 5211 Cascade Rd SE Suite 210, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Fulton Street Farmer's Market | 1145 East Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Cascade Engineering | 3400 Innovation Ct. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Brewery Vivant | 925 Cherry St, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Yoga HEAT | 820 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Rockford Construction/Catalyst Partners | 601 1st Street NW, Grand rapids, MI 49504

Grand Rapids Downtown Market | 435 Ionia Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

GRCC (Sneden Hall) | 415 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Steelcase/GRiD | 70 Ionia Ave, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Disability Advocates of Kent County | 3600 Camelot SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Calvin College | Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex, 3195 Knight Way, SE, Grand Rapids, 49546

WMEAC | 1007 Lake Drive, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Aquinas College | 1760 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Grand Rapids Bicycle Shop | 1311 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Williams & Works | 549 Ottawa Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Options for safe, sustainable transportation have become increasingly important as Grand Rapids positions itself as a vital city capable of providing a high quality of life and a healthy and engaged community. Meanwhile, West Michigan companies are realizing the economic benefits of both a physically active workforce and bike/pedestrian-friendly streets.
 
The Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition's (GGRBC) Active Commute Week, May 12-16, is an opportunity to highlight the environmental, economic and health benefits of active travel. It represents the city's own, localized twist on National Bike to Work Week. During the week, commuters of all ages, occupations and fitness levels are encouraged to make use of active transportation when commuting to work, school or the market. Individuals and members of employer teams may join the Active Commute Week Challenge and earn points for using active transportation methods that include bicycling, walking, running, long-boarding, roller-blading, car pooling or riding The Rapid.
 
GGRBC and The Rapid this year have expanded their partnership to streamline and support Challenge participants, who may now register and log daily trips through The Rapid’s user-friendly online West Michigan Rideshare program. Individuals may register through Friday, May 16. Prizes will be awarded throughout the week with special recognition given to those who log the most trips.
 
“The Rapid has become a strong partner in our efforts to promote active transportation,” said GGRBC Executive Director Tom Tilma. “This year, Active Commute Week is directly connecting Challenge participants to The Rapid’s online car pool, bike pool and guaranteed ride home programs.”
 
During the 2013 challenge, more than 1,500 trips were logged and more than 20 top local businesses and universities (including Steelcase, Grand Valley State University, Calvin College and more) competed. Organizers anticipate an even busier event this May, thanks in large part to returning and new sponsors and employer participants.
 
Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell once again will ride his bicycle from his home to work on Friday, May 16. This will represent the fourth consecutive year in which Mayor Heartwell has participated in National Bike to Work Day.
 
“Getting involved in Active Commute Week is a great way for people to take healthy steps for an overall more active lifestyle,” said Lindsey DesArmo, chair of the event.
 
Active Commute Week consists of three primary components:
 
Active Commute Week Challenge - May 12-16 - Individuals and employers may track active trips using The Rapid’s West Michigan Rideshare program. Daily drawings feature prizes from local businesses. Details and registration at acwgr.org.
 
Bike to Work Day Pit Stops - Friday, May 16 - Active commuters are invited to visit local “pit stops” from 7 to 9 a.m. where they can partake in free refreshments and giveaways. There are 24 confirmed Pit Stops, including Mary Free Bed, the Downtown and Fulton Street markets, and numerous bicycle shops.
 
Handlebar Happy Hour-Special Edition - Sunday, May 18 - Presenting Sponsor Brewery Vivant (925 Cherry St. SE) will host a social event from 4:30 to 7 p.m. to wrap Active Commute Week 2014. The event is free and open to the public and will feature door prizes and the presentation of the Active Commute Week Challenge awards. The first 100 Active Commute Week Challenge participants to attend the event will receive a complimentary beverage.
 
More information about Active Commute Week – including sponsors, workshops, resources for new riders, a Pit Stop map and schedule of events – can be found at acwgr.org.
 

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