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
- How The Challenge Works
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Information for the 2025 challenge is coming soon. Check this page in January!
- Winter Commuting Resources & Videos
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For future bus riders:
- Watch this 2-minute video about how to use TheRide.
- Use VR to interact with all the features of TheRide’s buses or get an inside look by watching the recorded video.
- Tips on how to ride the bus in winter weather are available on TheRide's YouTube channel under the Winter Riding Tips playlist.
- U-M community: Did you know you ride TheRide for free with your MCard? Simply have your MCard in your hand when you board the bus and the driver will tell you what to do next. Find additional details here.
- Find additional bus resources at www.getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/bus
For sidewalk users:
- Find information about Ann Arbor’s sidewalk snow and ice removal responsibilities.
- Find additional walking resources at www.getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/walk
For people who want to drive less:
- Park for free and take the bus using one of TheRide’s designated or shared parking locations.
- Share the responsibility of driving into Washtenaw County during winter with other employed adults by joining the VanRide program.
- Check if there is anyone seeking a carpool or vanpool partner from your town at CommuterConnectMI.org. The results might surprise you!
- U-M community, check out the resources provided by U-M Logistics, Transportation & Parking
For aspiring and current bicyclists:
- Common Cycle, welcomes the public to seek help from volunteers and use tools to maintain and repair bicycles at their dedicated workspace (416 W. Huron St., Suite 11, Ann Arbor, MI 48103) on Sundays from 11am to 3pm.
- Review how to load your bike on TheRide here.
- See a map of bike lanes and trails in Washtenaw County (as of 2022).
- Learn about free and paid bike parking locations in downtown Ann Arbor.
- Find additional biking resources at www.getdowntown.org/commuter-resources/bike
- TEAM CAPTAIN RESOURCES
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Here are some tips for motivating and growing your team!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.