RideWise kicks off its annual Drive Less Somerset Challenge

RideWise is encouraging individuals who live or work in the county to make a commitment to drive less by participating in the agency’s annual Drive Less Somerset Challenge.

The Challenge is open to anyone living or working in Somerset County and offers many great prizes from local businesses.  The goal of the month-long event is to encourage individuals to eliminate vehicle trips and drive-alone miles by trying sustainable ways of traveling for work or recreation.

Participants can compete individually or as part of an employer team, by taking the pledge to drive less, and then tracking their trips and miles saved.  Any trip for work or recreation that replaces solo driving counts. This includes walking, biking, sharing a ride, taking the bus or train, or working remotely.

Individuals can compete for weekly prizes and contests announced on social media, as well as the Grand Prize Tesla Weekend Experience, while the employer team that eliminates the most drive-alone miles earns the title of Drive Less Somerset Employer Champion.  Top worksites will be awarded at the annual RideWise New Jersey Smart Workplaces recognition event. The Employer Challenge is open to any size business, office, agency or organization in Somerset County.

“The Drive Less Challenge  has eliminated more than 5,000+ vehicle trips and 205,000+ drive alone miles,” said Donna Allison, executive director.  Transportation contributes to nearly half of New Jersey’s greenhouse gas emissions and is the largest source of air pollution that impacts community health.

“Participants are doing something good for themselves, their community and the environment by being active and “green” while trying different ways to travel and helping to reduce traffic and decrease carbon emissions,” said Allison.

Participants can sign the pledge  by going to www.ridewise.org and clicking on the tab for Drive Less Somerset.  Participants can begin tracking miles on  June 1, 2019.  Follow RideWise on Facebook and Twitter for announcements and weekly prize and contest opportunities throughout the month of June.    For a list of prizes and prize sponsors, visit www.ridewise.org.