With more on-road bike lanes, a quality trail system and a greater interest in cycling, many Omaha residents and leaving their cars at home and riding their bikes to work.
This evening Activate Omaha will celebrate the accomplishment of 777 individuals and their employers as they conclude the annual Bicycle Commuter Challenge.
OMAHA, NEBRASKA – Bicycle Commuter Challenge statistics
· Riders: 777
· Teams: 108
· Miles: 352,130
· Calories burned: 6.5 million (3500 per pound = almost 1 ton of weight lost)
· 322,334 pounds of CO2 saved from the air
· $110,768 saved in gas
Activate Omaha, part of Live Well Omaha, implemented and coordinates the challenge to encourage year-long cycling to get more people physically active.
The event will take place Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Mojo’s Smokehouse & Ales (2110 South 67th Street) at 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. With so many cyclists participating this year, a large crowd is expected.
“This is the 6th year we've done the challenge and the first time that we've entered the National Bike Challenge. Omaha ranked 16th nationally for cities and Nebraska as a state ranked 3rd, thanks to the combined effort of Omaha and Lincoln,” said Julie Harris of Activate Omaha. “As of Monday morning the 777 cyclists who are participating in the challenge logged 352,130 miles!”
“Between the bike lanes, new trails, and bike racks on every public transportation bus, there’s no doubt Omaha is quickly becoming a bicycle friendly city,” said Harris.
“Last year Omaha was honored as a bronze level “Bike Friendly Community” by the League of American Cyclists. You can be assured, we are working toward that goal.”
