Commute Challenge: May 2023
The statistics are worth a challenge: in Memphis, over 80% of commuters drive alone to work; only 10% carpool, 1% take public transit, and 1% bike or walk. As we work together to change these statistics, we think a little fun is in order! That’s why we are bringing back our annual Commute Challenge in May. In 2019, over 300 people from 50 companies joined the Commute Challenge, our best Challenge ever. This May, we are excited to ask all commuters to once again explore new ways of getting around Memphis.
The 2023 Commute Challenge is your chance to switch gears from driving alone to biking, walking/rolling, carpooling, or taking public transit. We think you will find the change easy and fun as you discover the many benefits of leaving your car at home. For example, we all know not to text and drive, but you can text and ride. If you are a passenger in a carpool or on a bus, you can get a jump start on your workday, check in with social media, or just relax and read a book. Walkers and bikers reap the health benefits of daily exercise. And all options save you money, bring relief from the hassle of finding a parking space, and contribute to healthier bodies and a cleaner environment.
Plus, you’ll earn a chance for prizes along the way. Each week in May will focus on a specific challenge:
May 1 - 7: walking/rolling
May 8 - 14: carpooling
May 15 - 21: bicycling
May 22 - 28: public transit
By joining the challenge, you become eligible to win prizes. During the four-week event, Commute Options will draw random winners weekly from those who posted a photo of themselves walking/rolling, carpooling, bicycling, or using public transit on social media, tagging Commute Options and #CommuteChallenge23. You’ll get double entries when you participate in the theme of the week and post carpool karaoke videos for carpool week. Prizes include gift cards to local shops and restaurants, Explore Bike Share passes, Groove on Demand passes, and Commute Options swag. Additional partnerships, opportunities, and challenges will be announced throughout the month on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Commute Options will have a grand prize drawing at the end of the month. In addition, all participants are invited to save the date for a fun wrap party on May 31 at Wiseacre Brewing Company OG, 2783 Broad Ave. Door prizes will be awarded.
A huge shout-out to our community partners who are supporting the challenge: Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC), Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC), Shelby County Health Department, City of Memphis Bikeway and Pedestrian Program, Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), Explore Bike Share, Overton Park Conservancy, Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club, St. Jude/ALSAC, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, The Heights CDC, and Archimania.
Several partners are hosting events in support of the May 2023 Commute Challenge. You will not want to miss these fun events:
May Commute Challenge Events Hosted by Commute Options Community Partners
May 8: Commuting 101, MMDC Monday Nights with Memphis Hightailers, 6:00 pm at High Cotton Brewing Company, 598 Monroe Avenue
May 11: Memphis Social Bicycle Club Ride, Departs at 7:30 pm from Overton Park Veterans Plaza, 1928 Veterans Plaza Drive
May 13: South Memphis Glide Rides, Departs at 10 a.m. from South Memphis Farmer’s Market, 1400 Mississippi Blvd
May 15: Bicycle Friendly Driver, 6:00 pm at High Cotton Brewing Company, 598 Monroe Avenue
May 17: Ride of Silence depart at 7:00 pm from Hightailers Clubhouse, 397 Cumberland Street (Canceled)
May 18: Lunch at DMC Food Truck Thursday in Court Square Park, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
May 18: Memphis Social Bicycle Club Ride, Departs at 7:30 pm from Overton Park Veterans Plaza
May 19: Bike to Work Day Events
Lunch at MMDC Food Truck Friday in Health Sciences Park, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast Station Hosts
Downtown Memphis Commission, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at 114 N Main Street
St. Jude/ALSAC, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Marlo Thomas Center (employees only)
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Le Bonheur Main Entrance, 848 Adams Street
Overton Park Conservancy, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Bike Gate (Intersection of East Parkway and Sam Cooper/Hampline)
The Heights CDC, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at High Point Terrace and Shelby Farms Greenline Pocket Park
Archimania, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at 663 Cooper Street
Happy hour hosted by Overton Park from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Golf Clubhouse, 2080 Poplar Avenue.
May 20: Explore Bike Share Freewheel Ride, Departs at 10 a.m. from EBS Overton Park West station (Veterans Plaza Dr & Old Forest Ln)
May 20: South Memphis Glide Rides, Departs at 10 a.m. from South Memphis Farmer’s Market, 1400 Mississippi Blvd
May 25: Memphis Social Bicycle Club Ride, Departs at 7:30 pm from Overton Park Veterans Plaza
May 27: South Memphis Glide Rides, Departs at 10 a.m. from South Memphis Farmer’s Market, 1400 Mississippi Blvd
May 31: Commute Challenge Wrap Party, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wiseacre Brewing Company OG, 2783 Broad Ave.
Memphis Hightailers, Regular weekly rides for all levels almost daily