Commuters in Memphis are challenged to shift gears from riding alone to riding with friends, using public transit, walking, or biking to and from work. May is Commute Challenge month, and Innovate Memphis’ Commute Options initiative is designed to help drivers leave their cars behind and use healthier, less stressful, and less expensive means of transportation.

The benefits are plentiful. We all know not to text and drive, but you can text and ride. Passengers in a carpool or transit can get a jump start on their workday, check in with social media, or go old-school and read a book as they travel. Walkers and cyclists reap the health benefits of daily exercise. And all options bring relief from the hassle of finding a parking space, save money, and contribute to healthier bodies and a healthier environment.

To participate in the 2019 Commute Challenge, take a quick survey and Commute Options will send information about how to log your trips. Thanks to a partnership with the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, commuters can download and utilize Ride Amigos, a cutting-edge, easy-to-use app to manage and record commutes.

By joining the challenge, commuters become eligible to win prizes. During the 4-week event, Commute Options will draw winners weekly from those who registered a ride, rode a bike, carpooled, or took a transit. Prizes include gift cards to wellness studios and restaurants, and MATA passes. Companies and business are encouraged to participate as a team. The three top worksites will receive a pizza lunch.

Commute Options will celebrate the end of the Commute Challenge with a Wrap Party on May 31. All participants are invited to celebrate their commuting success over refreshments at one of Memphis’ wonderful downtown eateries. Top commuters and companies will be recognized for their achievements. Memphians are encouraged to sign up for the challenge to receive email updates and details on the Wrap Party.