AAATA promotes non-automotive commutes year round, but it’s a harder sell this time of year. So in January, its getDowntown program was running its third annual “Conquer the Cold” contest. Director Nancy Shore says that as of mid-January, about 500 people had pledged to bike, walk, or bus to work during the month–a jump from the 350 who signed up last year. They’re encouraged by prizes ranging from a free drink coupon (for just one non-car commute) to a $500 gift certificate to Bivouac (to be chosen by a drawing among those who report ten or more commutes.)
Participants include Ann Arbor newcomer Roger Young, a DC transplant who “has yet to commute to work in my car.” Emails Young, “Once I found out I can be rewarded for doing something I do everyday, I figured ‘Why not?'” At mid-month, Young had walked from Woodbury Gardens apartments to his job downtown every day in January. Lissa Spitz was also on track to log a car-free month. She moved closer to her downtown job six months ago and commutes by bike when the pavement is dry, by bus when it’s not. “I’m not one of those hard-core snow bike riders,” she says–but adds, “I hope to never go back to having to car commute.”
Participants also earn virtual badges (“Abominable Snowman,” “Cold Scout”), discounts from bike and other stores, and receive winter (non-car) commuting tips from the getDowntown website. Although the contest only runs through January, Shore and staff continue to offer other winter commuting events, like a bike-care workshop at the U-M’s Elbel Building on February 5. “We do live in Michigan,” Shore says. “We might as well make the best of it.”