Intercity Transit’s Bicycle Community Challenge (BCC) is a fun, engaging community event that encourages Thurston County residents of all ages and abilities to try bicycling as a means of transportation and gives rewards and recognition to those who do. The BCC began in 1988 as a challenge between a few workplaces in Olympia with 30 people participating. Since then, the event has “grown up” along with its level of participation. In 2006 Intercity Transit began hosting the event and it has now become one of Intercity Transit’s many programs for improving mobility and the quality of life in our community.

The month-long event in May each year allows participants to develop new and lasting commute habits that result in healthy transportation choices. The Bicycle Community Challenge improves our quality of life by reducing traffic congestion and fossil fuel use, improving air and water quality and promoting healthy lifestyles. BCC participants have prevented the emission of hundreds of tons of CO2 and other pollutants over the years of the contest (on average about 50 tons each year, in the month of May alone). The BCC encourages people to shop locally and increases parking supply, stimulating the “Green Economy” and engaging local businesses and organizations through our sponsorship program. The BCC also gathers information from cyclists about bicycling infrastructure and road repair needs, which we transmit to the appropriate jurisdiction. The level of participation in the Bicycle Community Challenge is an indicator of how many people in our area are using their bicycles for transportation.

The BCC holds several popular events each year, including the Winter Mini-BCC in February, and the Earth Day Bike Ride in April. On National Bike To Work Day, the BCC organizes sponsors and community groups to put on "Bike Commute Stations" around the area, with edible treats and coffee, cycling information, and free giveaway items. May is National Bike Month, when we hold the Bicycle Community Challenge, rewarding participants with many discounts and free passes to local businesses, and prizes from our sponsors.

The BCC is on an upward trend, breaking participation records almost every year. Thanks to the generous support of volunteers, business sponsors and most of all contest participants, the Bicycle Commuter Challenge is gearing up for its 30th year!

You can contact the BCC at dgreen"at"intercitytransit.com

January thru June each year.