RideWise kicks off annual Drive Less Somerset Challenge

The Drive Less competition is open to anyone living or working in Somerset County and offers many great prizes from local businesses. The goal of the month-long event is to encourage individuals to eliminate vehicle trips and drive-alone miles by trying sustainable ways of traveling for work or recreation.

Participants can compete individually or as part of an employer team, by taking the pledge to drive less, and then tracking their trips and miles saved. Any trip that replaces a drive-alone trip, whether for work or recreation, counts. This includes walking, biking, sharing a ride, taking the bus or train, or working remotely.

Individuals can compete for weekly prizes while the employer team that eliminates the most drive-alone miles earns the title of Somerset County Drive Less Champion. The employer challenge is open to any size business, office, agency or organization in Somerset County.

“The Drive Less Challenge is now in its 10th year and has eliminated more than 4,000+ vehicle trips and 180,000+ drive alone miles,” said Donna Allison, executive director.

Transportation contributes to nearly half of New Jersey's greenhouse gas emissions and is the largest source of air pollution that impacts community health.

“Participants are doing something good for the community and the environment by helping to reduce traffic and decrease carbon emissions while they try different ways to travel,” said Allison.

Participants can sign the pledge by going to www.ridewise.org and clicking on the tab for Drive Less Somerset. Pledges will be approved and participants can begin tracking miles beginning June 1, 2018.

This year’s Partner Sponsor for Drive Less Somerset is the Bridgewater Marriott. Unity Bank in Somerville is the Associate Sponsor. For a list of participating prize sponsors, visit the agency’s website.