![\"Prizes](\"http:\/\/communique.uccs.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/IMG_7719.jpg\")
<\/a>Evolving out of the annual UCCS Bike Month Challenge, Pedal Perks celebrates alternative transportation and encourages campus members to ride their bike for their daily commute in exchange for prizes.<\/p>\n
According to Andrea Hassler, trails and outdoors coordinator,\u00a0UCCS Recreation Center, Pedal Perks is great step forward in recognizing the benefits of exercise and sustainability on campus<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom a sustainability front, it\u2019s a great way to help reduce the campus\u2019s carbon footprint but at the same time it allows us to progress in our own personal wellness,\u201d Hessler said. \u201cTo be happy and successful in either the office or classroom we need to be active and healthy. This is a great way for people to get started.\u201d<\/p>\n
Participants\u00a0create profiles at\u00a0www.bikejournal.com<\/a>, registering under the UCCS Pedal Perks Team.\u00a0Riders then log their commutes and attend bicycle-related events and workshops to earn points. Participants can also receive points for taking a health survey and fitness exam, which will be repeated at the end of the year.<\/p>\n At the end of every month and semester, total points are calculated and participants are entered to win prizes ranging from lights, helmets and coffee cup holders to bicycling jerseys or a new commuter bike. Faculty and staff\u00a0who enroll can also receive a free shower pass to use the facilities in the Rec Center.<\/p>\n Riders of all levels are welcome to join the program.<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone is welcome, no matter what their experience is,\u201d Hassler said. \u201cIf you\u2019re able to do it every day, great. But we know that\u2019s not reasonable for everyone. Those who can only do it once a week, once a month or even once a semester are also welcome because every bit makes a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n The program is funded through a combination of Kaiser Permanente\u2019s Walk and Wheel Colorado: Increasing Walking & Biking in Colorado Through Employer Action grant and the UCCS Parking and Transportation Department\u2019s Sustainable Transportation fund. Support comes from UCCS Campus Recreation, Office of Sustainability, Health Sciences Department, Auxiliary Marketing and the newly formed Bicycle Advisory Committee.<\/p>\n Individuals interested in signing up for Pedal Perks can register here<\/a>.<\/p>\n A full list of workshops, clinics and campus rides for the fall semester can be found here<\/a>.<\/p>\n For more information, visit www.uccs.edu\/pedalperks<\/a>.<\/p>\n