478ea5e65eace4ff814f9611413168a8c5f10de1

Every Bike Commuter Challenge participant is a important part of the competition, but you are SUPERstar. We’re thrilled that you’re a leader at your organization and want to help you and your team succeed! The resources below will help you recruit team members and promote the Bike Commuter Challenge and Active Transportation’s mission for better biking in Chicagoland

Team Leader training will be held on Tues, May 13 from 6pm - 7:30pm at the Active Transportation Alliance office, 35 E Wacker Dr., STE 1782, Chicago IL, and on Zoom.

What does a Team Captain do?

The Team Captain is their team’s biggest cheerleader; the Pied Piper of bike commuting, if you will. Team Captain also can add/delete team members, send out team communications and challenge other teams. They encourage their teams to commute by bike, set up group rides, act as a resource for bike commuting safety, tips and maintenance and even set up a team happy hours or similar spirited events. Want to make T-shirts? Awesome!


Tips for Being an Awesome Team Captain

  • Spread the Word: Don't just set up a team and leave it at that! Let the whole office know you're in it to win it. You can use the email template below to let your coworkers know you set up a team. And be sure to use the Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram social media flyers to promote!
  • Communicate Often: Once you've got a good group signed up, be sure to communicate often! You can use our Team Communications feature when logged in to send out important information to your riders. Is one of your competitors logging more miles than you? Encourage your team to keep peddling! Notice that some of your riders haven't logged miles but you've seen them walking into work with their helmet? Let them know they could be entered into a daily drawings to win sweet bike swag just by logging their trips.
  • Schedule Group Rides: Some folks at your office may be a little nervous to hop on a bike. But riding with a group may help them feel a little more comfrotable trying it out and logging points for your team! If you want to be a rockstar Team Captain, set up a few group rides to help those bike commuting newbies give it a shot. Just pick a time and location to meet up and show them the ropes out on the road

Common Roadblocks

Between intimidating traffic, hot summer sun and the cost of a bike, it’s totally normal to feel nervous if you’re riding to work for the first time. The more preparation and advance reading you do, the more confident you’ll feel strapping on a helmet and heading in to the office.

I don't want to show up to work all sweaty

Wearing sweat-wicking fabrics then changing in the bathroom once you get to work will help you avoid that gross-at-work feeling. Are you one of those people who needs to shower every time they bike? Some people use baby wipes to clean up once they arrive at work.


I don't feel comfortable riding in traffic

Sticking to bike lanes and low traffic streets, riding with a buddy or two who have experience bike commuting and planning your route in advance will all make you feel more confident on busy Chicago streets. Check out the Let’s Get Rolling page for more info on all of these topics.


I don't have a bike

Hit up Craigslist, your local bike shop, or head to your nearest Divvy station to check out bike sharing.

I don't want to get stuck in the rain

Look man, rain happens. If you’re feeling iffy about the forecast, it’s OK to skip the challenge for a day. But bikes are also allowed on the CTA and Metra, so you can also ride in one way and park your bike on public transit if a downpour rolls in.


I don't want to be late to work

You weren’t so worried the day of that boring 9 a.m. meeting last week, were you? Mmmhmmm. Advance route planning is your best friend here, too, as is taking your commute on a test run during the weekend. You’ll get a sense of how much time you really need to arrive without a horrible anxious knot in your chest.

6d0856859c25a84282b693a6ada0846b331e3595

Safe cycling in Chicago

Learning to bike to work is a rewarding way to add exercise and fresh air to your daily routine.

Gradually build up your confidence and stamina, and soon biking to work will become an enjoyable and energizing part of your day!


Here’s a collection of resources that will help you develop your bike to work know-how.

• Our Everyday Biking Guide covers all the basics of bike commuting, including choosing a route, what to wear, and how to lock your bike.

• Unfortunately, crashes happen. If you are involved in collusion, here’s what you need to know. Our crash hotline allows you to speak with an Active Transportation Alliance Crash Support Volunteer.

• It’s actually easy to prevent bike theft if you follow the simple rules outlined in our video, How (Not) to Get Your Bike Stolen (more than 5 million views!).

• The city of Chicago offers an excellent collection of resources covering essential cycling tips for getting around the city by bike, including maps, safety tips, and gear advice.

• Here’s what to know about taking a bike on CTA buses and trains and Metra.