Conquer the Cold

Conquer the Cold is an annual promotion that aims to show that it isn’t as difficult to get to work without driving as it may seem in the winter months. Through education, outreach, and different challenges, the campaign aims to help commuters overcome the potential barriers of changing their patterns in colder weather.

Individuals participating in Conquer the Cold can log their trips on the getDowntown challenge website and earn rewards based on their participation. 

Conquer the Cold will return in 2025!

Information for the 2025 challenge is coming soon. Check this page in January for details and prizes.

Conquer the Cold Information

Information for the 2025 challenge is coming soon. Check this page in January!

For future bus riders:

For sidewalk users:

For people who want to drive less:

For aspiring and current bicyclists:

Here are some tips for motivating and growing your team!

  1. Pick up free resources and trinkets for your team from the getDowntown Program! Resources include bus schedules, postcards on how to ride the bus, posters on how to bring your bike on TheRide, and more. Simply reach out to us to make arrangements. 
  2. Invite co-workers, family and friends to join you at one of our events or ask them to complete one of the social media activities with you!
  3. Claim your Conquer the Cold beanie after getting 5 or more people on your team logging trips on commuteandwin.org by the end of the challenge. We'll reach out to you about picking up your beanie if you qualify. 
  4. For questions, ideas, and troubleshooting help, contact info@getdowntown.org

Conquer the Cold 2024

Monday, January 15 to Thursday, February 15

Bravo to the 170 people who braved the Michigan winter to bike, walk, roll, carpool, or take the bus during Conquer the Cold 2024! Here are some of the highlights of the retro edition of the challenge:

Conquer The Cold 2023

Tuesday, January 10 to Friday, February 10

The getDowntown Program is pleased to congratulate all those who walked, rolled, carpooled, and used the bus during the Conquer the Cold challenge. The annual campaign engaged 214 participants who demonstrated that it is possible to get around without driving alone during the winter months.