Commuter Challenge Aims for People to 'Think Outside the Car'

 and TransOptions are hosting a "Commuter Challenge," where four different modes of sustainable transportation will be displayed in a race where nobody loses. 

"The real winner of the race is the public, as these sustainable methods reduce the negative impact standard automobile travel has on air quality and the environment," according to a event press release. The event begins this morning at the Madison Train Station at 8:05 a.m. 

The event ties in with National Bike to Work month and TransOptions’ goal of promoting alternative ways to commute to and from work. Commuters will be able to see first-hand how effective various alternative modes of transit are.  Together, Marty’s Reliable Cycle and TransOptions want to encourage motorists to “think outside the car.”

The use of sustainable transportation is about more than being green; it’s about saving green too. By utilizing bicycles and other means of clean transit, motorists spend less money on fuel and car costs, while the economy benefits from a reduced dependence on oil.

The challenge aims to promote and highlight alternative transportation options, as it will feature a road bicycle, an electric bicycle, New Jersey transit with a folding bicycle, and a Chevrolet Volt electric car (which Morristown Patch Editor John Dunphy will ride in, as well, to chronicle the experience).

The Specialized Roubaix Road Bicycle will be operated by Bill Ruddick, owner of Backyard Bike Tours. A Trek 7.2 Fx Plus electric bicycle will be operated by Eric Noonan, service manager at. Taking New Jersey Transit and a Dahon Folding Bike will be Morristown Attorney Matthew Vance.  The fourth participant will take a Chevrolet Volt electric car provided byWigder Chevrolet, of Livingston.

The Commuter Challenge will kick off this morning at 8:05 a.m. at the . The participants will depart from the station heading toward Morristown. The finish line is located at the front door of the  on Speedwell Avenue.

The New Jersey Transit/Folding Bike rider will utilize the Morris & Essex Line and travel through Morristown to Speedwell Avenue on the bike. The other bike riders and the Chevy Volt will primarily use NJ-124/Madison Avenue for the event.

For more information contact Marty Epstein, owner of Marty’s Reliable Cycle at (973) 584-7773, or Don Watt, Vice-President ofTransOptions at (973) 267-7600.