How amazing would it be if the Greater Grand Rapids Bicycle Coalition (GGRBC), a local group of concerned citizens who advocate for people who ride, were able to create the kind of transformation in our region we all know has to begin to happen if we wish to reduce our dependence on oil while improving health within our community through exercise and the reduction of harmful exhaust? It would be awesome to say the least.
Debuting Monday is the start of what will be an annual event, Active Commute Week (ACW), presented by an inspiring coalition of corporations, colleges and nonprofits including Grand Valley State University, Meijer, Metro Health, Priority Health, The Rapid, Steelcase, Grand Rapids Community College, Alger Bikes, Amway, The Spoke Folks, West Michigan Bike and Fitness and the GGRBC.
The positive impacts of this activity of commuting to work are there [many?], according to GVSU’s Lindsey DesArmo, who is serving as the committee chair for the inaugural event.
In addition to the obvious promotion of alternatives in transportation, ACW seeks to highlight their ambitious goals of more than 100 miles of streets with dedicated bike lanes by 2014, increasing bike commuting within the city of Grand Rapids 5-fold by the end of 2014.
The ACW events are plenty, including corporate challenges, free workshops and even a community awards ceremony hosted by Rapid Growth’s Tommy Allen.
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Active Commute Week Challenge: businesses and individuals can sign up to participate in this week-long challenge that will reward participants with a chance to win prizes from their sponsors including gift cards valued at $100 from Meijer.
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Bike to Work Day Rally Stops (including Mayor Heartwell's commute by bike for the second year in a row): The Rally to Work Day is especially fun since it brings community bike shops into the mix as a way for commuters to stop and network as they meet other people who have committed to incorporating biking into their lives. It is healthy and most of all, helps people meet others on the same path who are hoping to make positive change happen here in our region.
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Active Commute Today LIVE!: After the ride to work, head on down to The Rapid’s Central Station where a crowd will be gathering by bike and by bus for the debut of an exciting concert and awards ceremony featuring Big Dudee Roo, Karisa Wilson, Kyle McCarthy, R.J. Nordlund and Anthony Emery with Tommy Allen of Rapid Growth handing out the awards for the week’s bike challenge winners.
We’ve all heard that the future often arrives as a result of our baby steps, but I am going to amend it and say that we can really speed this up with a little pedal power. So let’s get on the bike and ride these goals into the record books. One by one and through visibility, we will change the way we view commuting in our community. Wheels Up, Let’s Roll West Michigan!
Admission: Free