Biketober Kicks Into Gear Reminding Bicyclists to Find Their Balance

Event organizers put a new spin on the region’s 9th annual bike challenge 

Atlanta, GA (September 27, 2021) – Metro Atlantans are encouraged to make health their priority and take up biking as a way to roll through life’s challenges. 

Thousands of metro Atlanta area residents are preparing to trade in their cars for bikes during the 9th Annual Biketober bike challenge, sponsored by Georgia Commute Options (GCO). Due to the physical and emotional strain of the pandemic, this year’s event is focusing on health and self-care. 

The month-long challenge kicks off Friday, October 1. Last year more than 3,000 metro Atlantans and 300 companies from the 20-county area participated. People are encouraged to bike to work, school and to their daily activities to reduce stress, improve their health and help the environment.  

Participants can enjoy the benefits of active commuting while earning points and chances to win exciting prizes. Early-bird registrants (anyone who registers by September 30, 2021) are entered into a drawing for a $1,000 REI gift card. Following GCO on social media and signing up at Biketober.com are both great ways to stay in the know about weekly prize giveaways. This year’s grand prize is the newest Edison E-bike, the V2! 

“We can all use a pick-me-up from the stress and anxiety we’ve been dealing with for almost two years,” says Jill Goldberg, GCO’s Marketing Director. “Getting out on a bike can help us feel better and measurably improve our health. Biketober is a great way to start!” 

Last year, the City of Atlanta issued a proclamation officially declaring October as “Biketober Month,” stating that the annual challenge is a positive contribution to the community, improving health and creating a greener environment. 

“Biketober is an empowering initiative that allows companies and communities to partner for the greater good,” says Roz Tucker, GCO’s Managing Director. “Biking and alternative modes of transportation not only help ease pollution in our environment but help support healthier lifestyles.” 

Biketober  is presented by Georgia Commute Options and powered by Love to Ride. Partner organizations include the Atlanta Regional Commission, Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, the American Heart Association, the PATH Foundation, Georgia Bikes and AARP Georgia. To register, visit Biketober.com, enjoy a ride, log the ride on the site or connect a cycling app (Strava or Map My Ride). Earn points, climb the leaderboards and be entered to win prizes!

For media questions/bookings, contact Joel Wascher, JWascher@AtlantaRegional.org, 470-698-6106; or Tenisha Taylor, Tenisha.Taylor@OdonnellCo.com, 470-552-1414.  

About Georgia Commute OptionsGeorgia Commute Options, a program managed by the Atlanta Regional Commission and funded through the Georgia Department of Transportation, works with employers, commuters and schools to encourage drivers who ride alone to make the switch to a commute alternative such as riding transit, teleworking, carpooling, vanpooling, walking and/or biking, with the ultimate goal of reducing congestion and the emissions that contribute to smog pollution. For more information, visit www.GaCommuteOptions.com and follow Georgia Commute Options on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Get access to cash incentives by logging your clean commute on our website or through the Georgia Commute app, which is available for download via the App Store or Google Play.