Employee Toolbox : Supplemental Programs : Somerset Bike to Work

Ridewise, the traffic and transportation division of the Somerset County Business Partnership sponsors a Bike to Work Corporate challenge for businesses in Somerset County, New Jersey. Ridewise works to improve commuting in Somerset County by reducing congestion and encouraging carpooling, mass transit, and biking/walking to work.

The Bike to Work Corporate Challenge is open to all businesses in Somerset County, regardless of size. It is also free to register for the event. To add an additional incentive, this year Ridewise is working to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Participants have the opportunity to have their miles sponsored, and give proceeds to the American Cancer Society.

Winners of the challenge are determined by the total miles ridden by company employees. For every mile of biking done by an employee, 2 points are awarded to the company. The speed of the bike riding is not a part of the equation. The company is also awarded one point for every mile of transit riding during the Bike to Work Corporate Challenge.

Bonus Points are also awarded for the following:

• C-Level Cyclists: If a company CEO, President, Vice President, or Executive Director participates in the bike to work, 50 additional points are awarded
• Bicycle Parking: If businesses provide secure bike racks, lockers, or other methods for employees to safely secure their bikes, 10 additional points are awarded
• Safety Materials: If the businesses provide literature to the employees on helmet use and how to safely ride on city streets, 10 additional mileage points are awarded
• Showers and Changing Rooms: If businesses offer employees a place to shower and store a change of clothes, 20 additional points are awarded

Participating corporations are divided into five different categories depending on the number of participants. Each corporation team must have a designated team captain, whose duties include:

• Determining team name
• Recruit riders
• Check-in on website during Bike to Work day.
• Confirming team membership list
• Take pictures to document the commute and arrival of team members on business site.

Prizes are awarded for several different categories:

• Miles That Matter- A plaque and prize is awarded to the team who raises the most money for the American Cancer Society.
• Green Spokes Corporate Awards – Winners of the Green Spokes Awards are chosen according to the most miles ridden. Each team/company will receive a Green Spokes honorary plaque, a FREE on-site luncheon for team members who completed the program on a date of their choice and inclusion in a full-page advertisement to be run in a local paper post event. All Green Spokes Award winners will be listed on the Ridewise website, along with a photograph of the team.
• Dynamic Duo Award—Any Corporate Challenge team with only two members is eligible to win this award. The award will be chosen according to the most miles ridden. Each member of the team will receive a prize and a Dynamic Duo honorary plaque will be received by the company.
• Triumphant Trio award- any corporate challenge team with only three members is eligible to win this award. The award will be chosen according to the most miles ridden. Each member of the team will receive a prize and a Triumphant Trio honorary plaque will be received by the company.
• Party Leader- A special prize is awarded to the rider who recruits the most team members.
• Most Creative Team Name- A special prize is awarded to the team with the most creative name.

A prize is also awarded to those commuters who continue their bike to work commute for three months after the challenge has ended.

Contact Information

Community Outreach Coordinator
RideWise
An affiliate of the Somerset County Business Partnership
360 Grove Street
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
(908) 704-1011 ext. 13
amanda@ridewise.org