The annual winter commuter challenge known as "Conquer the Cold" will be a bit different this year because of the pandemic.
The "Conquer the Cold" campaign challenges drivers to use alternative modes of transportation like walking, biking and the bus to get around the City of Ann Arbor. This year, the group getDowntown, that’s hosting the event, has added business support to the challenge. Participants are encouraged to use the alternative modes of transportation to shop at local businesses. Chris Simmons is the program director for getDowntown.
Chris Simmons: Maybe those commuters who live in the area but don’t live directly near downtown Ann Arbor, we’re definitely asking you to have an excuse, we’re giving you that excuse to visit downtown Ann Arbor and help support those establishments that you want to still be here when you come back to work.
getDowntown has partnered with the shopping districts in Ann Arbor for the challenge that in addition to helping boost the local economy will help reduce the city’s carbon footprint. For information on how to participate in the challenge that runs through January, click here.
Non-commercial, fact based reporting is made possible by your financial support. Make your donation to WEMU today to keep your community NPR station thriving.
Like 89.1 WEMU on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
— Jorge Avellan is a reporter for 89.1 WEMU News. Contact him at 734.487.3363 or email him javellan@emich.edu