The City of Hattiesburg has issued a challenge. In honor of National Bike to Work Day this week, the city of Hattiesburg is teaming up with local organizations and businesses along with the Hattiesburg-Petal-Forrest-Lamar Metropolitan Planning Organization to encourage people to bike to work until May 10th.
“We have promoted this program singularly in the past, but this year we wanted to take it to a new level,” said Urban Development Director Andrew Ellard. “By joining forces with our local business community and organizations, we’re hoping to bring awareness to the multi-use paths, bike trails and bike lanes that are available to Hattiesburg residents.”
To join the challenge, participants are encouraged to download an official Bike to Work Challenge Passport by visiting hattiesburgms.com/b2w. Then, bike to work each day until May 10th.
For each day biked, the participant’s supervisor can sign the passport as proof. At the end of the two weeks, the passport can be submitted in person or electronically to win prizes like a pair of season tickets for Southern Miss Football, a pair of tickets to a City Lights + Music Nights show, bike tune-ups from Moore’s Bike Shop, gift baskets of Hattiesburg swag and more.
A few pop-up prizes will also be given to for those who chronicle their Bike to Work journey through social media with the hashtag #B2WHBURG on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
“One of the best parts of Bike to Work Week is witnessing the great affinity that residents have for their city, particularly when they begin to explore the many trails and pathways that exist in Hattiesburg,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “We know this challenge promotes personal fitness and public health. Furthermore, it pushes us to invest in a built environment that encourages the safety of cyclists and pedestrians alike.”
All participants are encouraged to use good judgment and pay attention to safety measures when navigating a path to work that is most feasible. Abide by basic bike safety rules – helmet, use of hand signals and take bike paths where available.
To participate, residents can follow these easy steps:
- Download the official Bike to Work Passport at hattiesburgms.com/b2w
- Bike to work for as many days as possible between April 29 and May 10, and have a supervisor sign off in the designated box for each day as proof.
- Turn in the passport electronically (by scan or photo) to mayor@hattiesburgms.com, via the form at hattiesburgms.com/b2w or in person to the Mayor’s Office in City Hall (200 Forrest Street) by 5 p.m. on May 15.
- Winners will be announced on Friday, May 17 – Bike to Work Day.
