The Bike Commute Challenge has become an annual rite of autumn in the Portland area. It’s a friendly competition developed by the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA) to encourage cycling to work. The challenge runs September 1 through September 30, and is open to everyone in Oregon and SW Washington. Last year over 10,000 people in over 1000 businesses took the challenge, competing on behalf of their workplace, for their health, and for the planet, and for 10,000 other reasons.

Some businesses take the challenge very seriously and go for the glory of best-in-category. Others go for improvement year-to-year; still others are represented by only one or two participants who serve as the bike commuting pioneers at their workplace. But no matter what your company’s standing at the end of the challenge, everyone reaps the rewards.

Each year this event is the catalyst for folks that have been on the threshold of leaving motorized transport behind and joining the throngs of two-wheeled, human-powered conveyances. I’ve said it before, but the more bikes out on the road, the safer it gets. More bikes, less CO2, more exercise, less time sitting in traffic, more fun. Now who needs more reasons?

The BTA provides resources to all, including clinics on commuting, prize drawings, and discounts at local bike shops (like Bike Gallery). They’ve set up an easy to use Web site to help you get information and track your progress. All you have to do is pedal your bike.

Of course Bike Gallery is another resource for challenge-takers. We’re proud winners in several categories, so our staff ARE the commute experts in town. We also have a great supply of commuter gear: everything from lights to fender to racks to bicycles for you to buy. And advice is free. If you need some, just drop by one of our locations and talk to our enthusiastic staff.

Participation is easy, free, and FUN! To sign up or get more information visit www.bikecommutechallenge.com