Sustainable commute: Oregonians log nearly 4,000 trips in annual statewide ‘Get There Challenge’
KTVZ
(Update: Adding video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Commute Options announced Thursday the results from its region’s participation in the annual Get There Challenge, a two-week statewide event encouraging Oregonians to choose alternative transportation modes over driving alone.
Out of 969 total participants statewide, 272 came from the Commute Options service area in Central and Eastern Oregon, logging an incredible 3,905 non-drive-alone trips during the challenge period, the organization said.
Here’s the rest of their announcement:
The region’s enthusiastic participation accounted for 28% of the total statewide participation, placing Central and Eastern Oregon close behind the Portland metro region. This collective effort not only demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable travel, it also brought significant environmental and economic benefits.
The most popular transportation modes logged by local participants highlighted the community’s diverse approach to commuting:
Bike/E-bike: 45%
Carpool: 16%
Walking: 12%
In addition to logging thousands of trips, the challenge successfully brought 75 new users onto the Get There Rewards platform within the Commute Options network, expanding the community of sustainable commuters.
“We’re thrilled to have wrapped up another successful year of the Get There Challenge. Every year, our region shows up in a big way—and this year was no exception,” said a Commute Options spokesperson, Aoibhe Richardson.
“Central and Eastern Oregon participants accounted for 28% of all challenge trips statewide, which is an incredible testament to our community’s commitment to sustainable travel. The stats from the challenge make it clear that even small changes in how we get around can have a big impact—reducing Co2 emissions, saving money, and easing congestion across our region.”
The collective action across the state delivered a significant impact, including:
44.7 tons of CO2 reduced
$78,000 saved by participants choosing alternative modes
15,982 drive-alone trips replaced with sustainable travel options
To recognize the dedication of participants, 25 prizes were distributed to randomly selected winners throughout the challenge, courtesy of generous local sponsors: Jackson’s Corner, Cuppa Yo, Fix and Repeat, and Burgerville.
Commute Options looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to support sustainable, safe, and efficient transportation options throughout the region. Get involved with the ongoing Get There Rewards by visiting https://www.commuteoptions.org/get-there-rewards/.
####
About Commute Options:
Commute Options is a non-profit based out of Bend, Oregon, dedicated to transportation options that connect people of all ages to the places they go – employees to their workplaces, students to their schools, and neighbors within their communities. They champion active transportation and infrastructure improvements, fostering essential partnerships, and educating the community on transportation options, working towards healthier individuals, a cleaner environment, and a stronger economy. Visit Commute Options Website
About the Get There Challenge:
The Get There Challenge is an annual, two-week event in Oregon that encourages residents to use sustainable transportation for their daily trips. Participants are challenged to drive alone less often and instead choose alternative options such as walking, biking, taking public transit, carpooling, or working remotely. The goal is to promote a healthier, more affordable lifestyle while reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality across the state. Learn more about the Get There Challenge here.