Cyclists preparing for 39th annual Intercity Transit Bicycle Community Challenge in Thurston County

With the weather turning warmer and dryer, Intercity Transit staff are preparing to hold the 39th annual Bicycle Community Challenge (BCC) starting May 1, Intercity Transit BCC coordinator Ali Fuller announced at the Tenino City Council meeting on April 14.

"The BCC is always fun, free and open to people of all ages and abilities all over Thurston County, so you are all invited to participate," Fuller said.

In the BCC, riders team up with others in groups to see who can collectively ride the most miles in the month of May.

Individual miles are logged as well, and prizes are available for both individuals and groups for most total miles and days biked, the group with the biggest number of new riders, the group with the highest percentage of new rides, and the highest average miles and days per rider.

Those who log rides on 15 days or more during May will be entered into the top prize tier which includes prizes like $500 gift cards to local bike shops.

The event's primary goal is simply to get more people riding bikes, she added, for whatever reason they wanted. With gas prices currently spiking, Fuller explained in previous years riders were already saying saving on commuting expenses was a driving factor in them switching to pedal power.

"Others cite environmental impacts as a leading motivation, since cycling can reduce the use of fossil fuels. It's been shown that about 51% of vehicle trips nationwide are six miles or less in length," said Fuller. "These are the vehicle trips we're hoping to reduce by replacing them with cycling. And others choose to cycle because of its benefits to both physical and mental health."

To learn more about the BCC or to register to ride in it this year, visit Intercity Transit's website at https://bcc.intercitytransit.com/.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.