Bike2Benefits

Bike2Benefits is a free online program for Twin Cities bicycle commuters—from the aspiring to the accomplished. Members register and track their trips at bike2benefits.org, where they can view summaries of miles pedaled, trips taken, CO2 reduced and other measurements. It's a great way to see how bicycling instead of driving really adds up.

Best of all, there are prizes for making a commitment to riding! Those who meet the challenge of pedaling to work or school (or a transit stop) eight times over eight weeks receive a packet with commuter materials like a reflective ankle band. They're also entered to win prizes like riding gear or gift certificates to area bike shops. Members receive a monthly e-mail newsletter with tips on everything from carrying gear to winter commuting and bicycling to the State Fair.

Employees at some workplaces, like REI in Bloomington, have used the program to add up their commuting miles in creative ways. About 30 employees are taking a virtual bicycle tour from the REI store in Bloomington to its St. Louis store via San Diego via Austin, Texas. Together, they'll pedal about 6,000 miles!

Join the program at bike2benefits.org.

Bike2Benefits Activity to Date (from 5/14/08 to 9/22/09)

Members 2,800

Trips by bicycle 29,000

Trips by bike + transit 3,000

Miles pedaled 705,000

Est. fuel savings (gal) 35,000

CO2 reduced (tons) 335