Bike Edmonton is engaged in helping more Edmontonians choose energy sustainable transportation. By encouraging more people to cycle in Edmonton through community based initiatives, they are reducing harmful emissions that contribute to climate change and helping people become more resilient to future effects of climate change.

Bike Edmonton is about to launch the Explore Bike Edmonton Challenge which encourages Edmontonians to cycle more by providing incentives and resources that are needed for safer, more fun cycling experiences. They are launching this Challenge with the help of Federal funding managed through Velo Canada Bikes that will run until August 2019.

The EcoCity Edmonton grant will build on the Explore Bike Edmonton Challenge with more outreach to newcomers to Canada, a new focus of educational institutions, and a new component of scavenger hunts to inject some fun, showcase bike infrastructure, and gain great media exposure. The special programming and scavenger hunts will highlight the challenge, increase the awareness of cycling and cycling infrastructure, engage businesses in promoting cycling,and bring resources to individuals who otherwise might not find needed cycling resources.

By establishing goals that are based on a percentage increase in cycling, beginner cyclists and experienced cyclists have equal chances for winning prizes. Groups involved in the challenge can access free presentations, on road education, and hands on bike repair tutorials. By cycling even more, participants can have a chance at bigger prizes if they participate in a scavenger hunt that highlights businesses and recreational areas along city cycling infrastructure and major city routes. This initiative is to encourage participants to cycle more instead of driving and to demonstrate to others the functional and fun advantages of cycling.

Adult participants log kilometres ridden by bike that would otherwise be driven by vehicle. Youth participants can log all commuter kilometres (not training or racing kilometres). This challenge helps youth learn about cycling through school programs and, by riding more, youth learn that this is a viable mode of transportation. Established partnerships with universities, junior and senior high schools will build capacity in communities that otherwise might not readily access cycling resources.