Contact:  Anne Mader
For Immediate Release
Tele: 571-218-2002
Email: info@thebikelane.com


Reston, VA The Bike Lane in Reston and Burke, Virginia has partnered with Trek Bikes and Driveway 2 Driveway to challenge a person to give up their car for one year and ride a bike.  Starting March 1 The Bike Lane will be accepting online applications from people who are ready to go by bike and want to tell the world about the benefits and challenges  of doing so.  The person who stands out as the most committed, most challenged by giving up their car, and has the most desire to make it happen will earn a new Trek Ride+ electric assist commuter bike; decked out with a rack, panniers, and lights.  The Bike Lane will also provide other accessories such as clothing, riding gear, and commuting support to the winner of the challenge.

Applicants must commit to using a bike for a minimum of 80% of their transportation needs and to blog and use other social media to journal about their experience.  Trek Bicycles is planning to video document a day in the life of the winners’ commuting by bike experience.  In addition, Driveway 2 Driveway will offer to sell the persons car for free during the one year challenge.  “The person who accepts this challenge might not be ready to give up their car immediately.   But you never know, they may decide that they don’t need their car after a month or so of going by bike” states Alison Lynch of Driveway 2 Driveway.

The Bike Lane will present the bike and gear to the winner of the challenge at their annual Cyclefest event on April 24 at the Reston Town Center.  Cyclefest is a day dedicated to celebrate cycling.  The day kicks off with Paul’s Ride for Life; a fundraising ride for the Washington Regional Transplant Community, in honor of Paul Rossmeissl .  The Cyclefest Expo activities begin at 10 am and include bike demos, kids safety rodeo, BMX stunt shows, bike fashion show, and more.  Cyclefest will finish at 4 pm with the presentation of the Trek Ride + bike and other gear to the winner of the “Give Up Your Car for One Year Challenge”.

“The Bike Lane is really excited about this challenge” says Anne Mader, co owner of The Bike Lane with husband Todd Mader “With the higher gas prices and terrible traffic congestion we hope to use this challenge to get people thinking about using their bike for commuting, going to the store, and running other errands.   By providing someone with everything they need to give up their car and go by bike, we may even change someone’s life!”

The Trek Ride + electric assist bike is new for 2010 from Trek Bicycle Company.  The bike has various levels of assistance that corresponds to the rider’s effort.  This makes longer commutes easy, heavy loads lighter, and long hills shorter but does not take away from the physical effort needed to move the bike forward.  “This bike helps to make going by bike easier without taking the enjoyment and freedom away from the cycling experience” states Adam Lewandowski, Manager of The Bike Lane’s Reston store.

Information about the Challenge and Cyclefest can be found at www.thebikelane.com
If you’d like more information about this topic, pictures, or would like to schedule an interview please contact Anne Mader at info@thebikelane.com or 571-218-2002.