SDOT wants to get Seattlites to replace car trips with biking, transit, or trips by foot.

"Almost half of the trips Americans make are within two miles—a walkable, bikeable distance. Shifting to active transportation helps people get in shape, save money and reduce greenhouse gases," according to SDOT.

As an incentive to get people out their, car SDOT is holding a Bike Walk Ride Challenge this July and August with prizes to keep people motivated.

Everyone who enters the Walk Bike Ride (WBR) Challenge and switches a couple of car trips a week gains could win one of the following:
 
·         Electric bike from e-Moto
·         Apple iPad
·         Pan Pacific Hotel stay
·         Zipcar $250 gift card
·         REI $100 gift card
·         Nordstrom’s $100 gift card (supplied by Commute Seattle)
·         $100 gift card good at seven farmers’ markets
·         More great prizes
 
“I encourage everyone to take up the Walk Bike Ride Challenge,” said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen in a statement. “Summer is a great time to try walking, biking or riding transit to work, to get to know your neighborhood and to start lifetime habits that keep you healthy.”
 
Those entering the challenge get weekly emails with tips on walking, biking and riding and can track their individual progress and the program’s collective impact online. The more trips one reports, the higher the chance they have of winning.
 
The WBR Challenge is part of the Seattle Department of Transportation’s Way to Go, Seattle! program. It encourages people to walk, bike, ride transit and carpool more by offering incentives, tools and information and runs on a two month cycle. The current cycle is for July and August.  To join the WBR Challenge visit www.seattle.gov/waytogo.