The City of Knoxville and Knox County are encouraging employees to take part in the Smart Trips 2010 Commuter Challenge, which runs May 1 to September 1, 2010.

May is Smart Trips month, a month filled with fun events, chances to win great prizes and save green by taking advantage of fabulous discounts. Smart Trips month also kicks off the Smart Trips Commuter Challenge which can help participants save money and earn rewards by greening up their commute from May through the end of September.

You can learn more about Smart Trips, the Commuter Challenge and other Smart Trip month activities at https://knoxsmarttrips.org/

In addition to encouraging its employees to become involved the city and county are also urging businesses in the community to explore the benefits of commuting and to compete to see which organizations can get the most employees to commute during the coming months.

All individuals have to do to help their organization win the Business Challenge is carpool, take the bus, bike, walk or telecommute once a week between May and September 30. Just enroll in Smart Trips and log your green commutes. 
 
"These are all fun event but they have a serious message: you can conveniently use alternative forms of transportation - including car pooling, riding bikes, taking the bus and walking to get around Knoxville," said Mayor Bill Haslam. 
 
"Using these alternatives contributes to some good results," he added. "For example they save wear and tear on our cars, help the environment and reduce congestion on our roads. So we can make a difference by using alternative means of transportation when we can."