Active Commute Week 2024
Walk, Ride, & Roll, West Michigan! Active Commute Week will be September 9 – 13, 2024.
Active Commute Week (ACW) is a community-wide initiative to encourage the widespread use of alternative modes of transportation, such as riding the bus, carpooling, or bicycling. Individuals are encouraged to log their “green trips” – whether to/from work, the grocery store, or lunch – to see the positive impact of using alternative transportation versus driving alone.
Log your trips through West Michigan Rides to qualify for prizes and join us in events and activities throughout the week focused on sustainable transportation. Individual award winners will be selected in various categories, including most miles biked to work, most time spent riding transit, and more!
Signup Details:
- Registration is required at my.wmrides.org/home
- There is no cost to participate in Active Commute Week.
Event Happenings During Active Commute Week:
- Tuesday, September 10 | Sustainable Transportation Webinar
- Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, Kent County Essential Needs Task Force (ENTF), and Praxis invite you to a discussion on how sustainable transportation can enhance community sustainability and equity. In West Michigan, single-occupancy vehicles dominate commutes, leading to traffic congestion, higher emissions, and increased costs. This conversation will explore alternative options like buses, vanpools, and biking, highlighting how these modes can save time, reduce expenses, and lower carbon emissions. Learn more and register here.
- Thursday, September 12 | Community Bike Ride
- Clock some miles for Active Commute Week and meet fellow avid cyclists at the community ride at Switchback Gear Exchange! Riders will depart at 6:30 PM from Switchback Gear Exchange (2166 Plainfield NE, Grand Rapids, MI) and go on a 15-mile adventure route around the city. Learn more here.
- Friday, September 13 | Ending Active Commute Week in Style at Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids from 4 – 7 PM!
- Everyone’s invited to this free wrap-up party, which is packed with fun, food, and beer! We’ll also announce the Active Commute Week winners and hand out some exciting prizes. You don’t want to miss it!
The Rapid Active Commute Week Photo Challenge
Rules and Regulations:
- Challenge Period: September 9, 2024, to Noon on September 13, 2024. Submissions must be received before Noon on September 13, 2024.
- Eligibility: Open to residents and workers in Kent, Allegan, and Ottawa counties, Michigan.
- Prizes: One (1) Active Commute Week prize pack per winner.
Entry Method:
- Take a photo of yourself at a Rapid bus shelter, bus stop, or on a Rapid vehicle (fixed route, Laker Line, Silver Line, DASH, or Go! Bus).
- Post the photo to Facebook, tagging The Rapid and using the hashtag #ACW2024.
Prizes:
- Daily winners will be announced on Facebook.
- Unlimited entries are allowed, but only one prize pack per participant.
- Winners can collect their prize at the ACW community celebration on September 13 at Founders Brewing Co. or arrange with Rapid staff.
Terms and Conditions:
- Winners must agree to share their first name and photo on The Rapid’s social media and newsletters.
- Daily drawings will be announced on Facebook.
- The Active Commute Week prize pack includes a bike bag with a bike repair kit, water bottle, safety gear, and Active Commute Week t-shirt (select sizes).