Conquer the Cold campaign encourages sustainable winter commuting

In freezing temperatures, Ann Arbor’s annual Conquer the Cold campaign kicked off with a social event at Pizza House Tuesday evening. The event aimed to spread awareness of Conquer the Cold’s commuting challenge, encouraging Ann Arbor residents to embrace sustainable transportation during the winter months and offering opportunities for participants to earn rewards while reducing their carbon footprint.

At the event, participants in the challenge gathered to discuss sustainable commuting options. Representatives from Common Cycle and University of Michigan Credit Union were also in attendance to provide insights on sustainable commuting.

Conquer the Cold is an initiative by the getDowntown program, which provides transportation programs and services to downtown Ann Arbor workers. Director of getDowntown Lilliane Webb said in an interview with The Michigan Daily that the campaign aims to demonstrate that winter commuting can be manageable and even enjoyable with the right mindset and gear. 

“I personally participate in the challenge and even outside of the challenge,” Webb said. “I bike to work, I use the bus system, and one of the things that I’ve gotten out of being in the challenge is the opportunity to go to social events with other people in the challenge and hear what tips they have.”

Ann Arbor resident David Stone, who has participated in the event for three years, told The Daily that although he had previously commuted by biking or taking the bus in the warmer months, he was initially hesitant to brave the cold. However, the challenge gave him the nudge he needed. 

“I think it took a little bit for me to figure out how the bus system works,” Stone said. “But I think one thing that surprised me was that I thought it would be harder to commute in the winter because of the cold, but on most days, it’s not really that cold. And as long as it’s not icy or actively heavily snowing it’s not much different than commuting or making transit during the rest of the year.”

Participants can log their trips on the new platform win.getDowntown.org to earn rewards based on their participation. To qualify for badges and prizes, participants must record at least one ‘green trip’ either by carpool, bike or public transit that begins or ends in Ann Arbor. The campaign runs from Jan. 20, through Feb. 20, and is open to downtown Ann Arbor employees and community members who live or work in the area.

While discussing rewards, Webb highlighted the campaign’s generous sponsorships, emphasizing how local businesses are playing a crucial role in supporting getDowntown and their sustainable commuting efforts. 

“The Bivouac of Ann Arbor,the clothing retailer on State Street, has provided the top prize for the person who gets the most green trips,” Webb said. “We also have a partnership with Human Electric Hybrids, an electric and cargo bicycle shop here in Ann Arbor, who provided a saddle bag for our runner-up in that competition.”

Owen Crain, an LSA senior and assistant for the getDowntown program, told The Daily he felt  the challenge was an efficient way to reward people for commuting in the winter.

“I think the challenge itself is easy, just logging the trips,” Crain said. “For me, it is the cold. It’s freezing outside. I hate walking in the cold. Riding a bike isn’t too fun when it’s freezing out. But I can appreciate that the challenge encourages me to think about how I can still commute sustainably in the cold weather, and what gear I need, and it has helped me connect with resources to find better gear for cycling, walking and tips on riding the bus in the winter.”

Daily Staff Reporter Ava Pustulka can be reached at apustulk@umich.edu.

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