News Releases
RIDE Solutions Challenges Drivers to Commute Clean Fridays in May
For Immediate Release, 4/12/2010
Roanoke, Va., April 12, 2010 – In 2009, participants in the annual Clean Commute Day event kept over 4,000 miles off the road by using a clean transportation mode such as carpooling, bicycling, taking the bus, or telecommuting instead of driving alone. This year, RIDE Solutions in upping the ante by expanding Clean Commute Day to every Friday during the month of May. Commuters are challenged to choose one or more Fridays to use a clean commute mode, with each pledge entering them into a drawing for a new bicycle, gas cards, transit passes, and other great prizes.
Drivers can take the pledge at www.ridesolutions.org/cleancommute or over the phone at 540.342.9393.
Area businesses, governments, and other organizations are also encouraged to form teams to compete for the Cleanest Team in the region in several categories based on organization size. Winners will be announced at the end of the month.
Clean Commute Day is one of the air quality initiatives of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission. May marks the beginning of the traditional ozone pollution season. Ground level ozone – or smog – is the Roanoke Valley’s most significant air quality challenge, and vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to this type of air pollution. Ground-level ozone can lead to and exacerbate a number of health problems, including asthma in children and lung disease in older adults. Tailpipe emissions from passenger vehicles also contribute to nearly a third of greenhouse gasses in the United States.
Clean Commute Day is part of Bike Month in Roanoke. RIDE Solutions and its partners have created a series of events for riders of all ages and skill levels, including free bike tune-ups in the Roanoke and the New River Valleys, the Mayor’s Ride on May 1st, Ciclovia in Downtown Roanoke on May 22nd, and more. Check out www.bikeroanoke.com/events for a complete list.
Drivers can take the pledge at www.ridesolutions.org/cleancommute or over the phone at 540.342.9393.
Area businesses, governments, and other organizations are also encouraged to form teams to compete for the Cleanest Team in the region in several categories based on organization size. Winners will be announced at the end of the month.
Clean Commute Day is one of the air quality initiatives of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission. May marks the beginning of the traditional ozone pollution season. Ground level ozone – or smog – is the Roanoke Valley’s most significant air quality challenge, and vehicle emissions are a significant contributor to this type of air pollution. Ground-level ozone can lead to and exacerbate a number of health problems, including asthma in children and lung disease in older adults. Tailpipe emissions from passenger vehicles also contribute to nearly a third of greenhouse gasses in the United States.
Clean Commute Day is part of Bike Month in Roanoke. RIDE Solutions and its partners have created a series of events for riders of all ages and skill levels, including free bike tune-ups in the Roanoke and the New River Valleys, the Mayor’s Ride on May 1st, Ciclovia in Downtown Roanoke on May 22nd, and more. Check out www.bikeroanoke.com/events for a complete list.
