National Bike Challenge grows in second year

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BRAIN) — According to organizers, the second annual National Bike Challenge, which encourages Americans to ride for transportation, recreation and fitness, saw a 50 percent increase in miles ridden in its second year. 

The challenge, held from May 1 through Sept. 30, drew participation from nearly 35,000 people who rode more than 18 million miles this summer. That’s up from 2012, it’s inaugural year, when more than 30,000 participants logged 12 million miles. Prizes were awarded monthly and at the end of the challenge based on points accumulated from mileage. 

Sponsored by Kimberly-Clark Corp. and presented by the League of American Bicyclists, the free program encourages people of all ages to get back on their bikes, ride farther and experience the health benefits of biking while helping reduce their environmental impact. Endomondo, a mobile fitness app with more than 15 million users, is the official tracking app for the challenge. 

This year the contest engaged more than 3,600 communities. More than 8,000 companies and nonprofits participated, including UPS, Target Corp., Facebook, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and Microsoft Corp., the League said in a statement. 

“Every single day, the Challenge has inspired people to ride their bikes—even in our own office, which is full of quite committed riders already,” said League president Andy Clarke. “The stories of individual triumph, increased corporate awareness of biking, friendly club competition, and community pride generated by the Challenge this year are priceless. Thanks to everyone who participated and shared their story.”

Challenge winners included: 

States:

1. Vermont
2. Nebraska
3. Wisconsin

Communities:

1. 1. Lincoln, Nebraska
2. 2. Madison, Wisconsin
3. 3. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Universities:

1. Utah State University
2. University of Wisconsin, Madison
3. University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Bike Shop/Retailer:

1. The Great Escape
2. Eastern Mountain Sports
3. Cycle Works

Workplaces:

• Trek Bicycle Corp.
• 3M 
• Texas Instruments
• Cisco Systems
• The Boeing Company
• American Electric Power

Teams

1. Gainesville Cycling Club
2. BikeArlington All-Stars
3. Fish on Bikes