MSU’s WTI promotes GoGallatin Commuter Challenge May 10-21

Montana State University’s Western Transportation Institute is promoting the GoGallatin Commuter Challenge for two weeks in May as part of its Gallatin Commuter Project. The friendly competition encourages individuals and teams associated with businesses and organizations in Bozeman and the surrounding areas to log miles biking, walking, taking public transportation or carpooling.

The challenge, known as the “GoGallatin Challenge,” starts on May 10 and ends on May 21, which is national Bike to Work Day.

The challenge aims to promote active, sustainable and healthy forms of transportation.

“Biking, walking, running and rolling on a skateboard, rollerblades, scooters and more, provide many different benefits, including getting fresh air, having fun, burning calories, reducing stress, saving money and reducing your environmental impact,” said Matthew Madsen, research associate with the Western Transportation Institute. “This year, we are promoting all forms of commuting, as well as encouraging people to ‘get up and go.’”

The challenge is open to anyone working or living in the Gallatin Valley, and there is no cost to enter. Workplace teams can win team trophies by encouraging the highest percentage of employees at their workplace to log their trips. Individual participants are also welcome to participate and will be eligible to win prizes from local businesses.

For the purposes of the challenge, a one-way journey to or from work, the grocery store, or for another utilitarian reason made by bike, bus, foot, carpool, or other sustainable transportation method counts as a trip. Also this year, any bike ride, walk, run or roll solely for exercise that lasts for at least 20 minutes counts as a trip.

Registration is now open on the GoGallatin website. For more information or to register, visit gogallatin.org/#/challenges/607a1d7335db1f489f0337e1 or email gallatincommute@montana.edu.