Dane County Transportation Challenge Shows Big Impact

More than 300 Dane County residents joined a free transportation challenge this September, choosing to bike, walk and roll, ride the bus, and carpool instead of driving alone. Together, participants avoided more than 17 tons of carbon dioxide emissions-the equivalent of taking over four gas-powered cars off the road for an entire year-and saved more than $12,000

The month-long Smart Trips Challenge was organized by RoundTrip Greater Madison, a public program of the Greater Madison Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). RoundTrip helps residents find carpool and bike partners to reduce congestion, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and save money on commuting.

Participants logged their trips to be entered into prize drawings, featuring gift cards and swag donated by Metro Transit, Madison Bikes, and local businesses, including Metcalfe's Market, TREK Madison East, Machinery Row Bicycles, Monk's Bar & Grill, and Buck & Honey's. This fall's challenge was the largest one yet, with participants logging over 9,300 sustainable trips in just one month.