When Anchorage commutes by bike, foot, or bus we are all better off. Fewer single occupant vehicles on the road means less congestion, noise, and pollution. Plus, if you pick an active commute, you're healthier and more productive at work.

Every time you log a bike, walk, or transit commute, your network gets points. The winning small, medium, and large networks can look forward to sparkling trophies at the Golden Sprocket Awards in early October!

As if that wasn't enough, every time you log a trip, you are entered into a drawing for some amazing prizes!

The challenge kicks off on Bike to Work Day and runs through the end of September. Everyone is automatically added to this challenge, so all you have to do is log trips and recruit your friends and coworkers.

Here's to an active summer, Anchorage! More info here.

Are you looking for ways to make Alaska more walking and bicycling friendly? Sitka will host the inaugural Alaska Walk and Bike Conference on June 4-8.

While the agenda is still being finalized (a tentative agenda is posted below), there will be a two-day Smart Cycling class (from the League of American Bicyclists training program), and two days of work sessions about how to be a better bicycling and walking advocate. The last day includes a Saturday hike and bike ride, and maybe a harbor cruise.

Why is this conference in Sitka? Sitka is the only community in Alaska with both a Bicycle Friendly Community designation (Silver) and a Walk Friendly Communities designation (Bronze). This is a chance to see what works in Sitka, and some of the challenges it still faces in its efforts to become more walkable and bikeable.

Prices are low for this event — $25 for the Smart Cycling training on June 4-5, $25 for the Walk/Bike work sessions on June 6-7, or $40 for the whole conference. There are optional events on Saturday, June 8. If we are able to secure the harbor cruise, there probably will be an extra fee for it. There also are special conference rates at the Aspen Hotel, which is downtown and within easy walking distance of most community facilities.

akwalkbikeconference.eventsmart.com

Take a look at some public garden spaces and the Muni’s Greenhouse and learn about efforts to promote food security and urban gardening. Meet at 5 p.m. Ride at 5:30 p.m. (Rain or shine). Tours last 2-3 hours and cover several miles, which may not be feasible for all ages. Free

Visit public art and learn about the Muni’s 1% For Art program and the artists that have participated in the program. Meet at 5 p.m. Ride at 5:30 p.m. (Rain or shine). Tours last 2-3 hours and cover several miles, which may not be feasible for all ages. Free

Hit the road with museum staff and Bike Anchorage for a tour of Anchorage’s trails and bike infrastructure. Learn what new projects the Muni is undertaking to be a multi-modal city. Meet at 5 p.m. Ride at 5:30 p.m. (Rain or shine). Tours last 2-3 hours and cover several miles, which may not be feasible for all ages. Free