WATERLOO, WI, (BRAIN)—Trek Bicycle has launched the "Go By Bike Challenge," a national pledge campaign sponsored by 1 World 2 Wheels—Trek's cycling advocacy initiative—that challenges people to put down the car keys and instead go by bike.
"The momentum for going by bike is undeniable," said Rebecca Anderson, director of advocacy of Trek. "Growing traffic congestion; skyrocketing gas prices; alarming obesity rates; concerns about global climate change as the result of greenhouse gas emissions; there is interest all over the country for transportation alternatives. The bicycle, as arguably the most efficient mode of transportation on the planet, represents a simple solution to some of the toughest problems; and tons of communities are recognizing this fact by taking steps to become bike-friendly. There has never been a better time to go by bike."
From July 17 through August 31, 1world2wheels.org will accept "Go By Bike" mileage pledges online, displaying a homepage ticker that tracks total miles pledged, money saved, calories burned and pounds of carbon offset accumulated.
Visitors to trekbikes.com will also be presented with the "Go By Bike" ticker and invited to visit 1world2wheels.org to take the "Go By Bike Challenge."
To promote the challenge nationally, Trek will take out two full-page print ads in USA Today, and Trek's network of independent bicycle dealers will ask customers to make in-store pledges. Each day of the campaign, one lucky pledger will also be selected at random to receive a brand new Trek 7.2 FX fitness hybrid bike, valued at $519.99.
According to a National Personal Transportation Survey, nearly 40 percent of all trips taken by car are two miles or less. Whether it's to work, to school, to the park, store, or gym, the "Go By Bike Challenge" asks individuals to think about all the short trips they take by car and instead pledge to go by bike.
