What is the Green Commute Challenge?
Each year, WAY TO GO puts on a month-long Green Commute Challenge – a fun way to introduce new ways of getting around, reduce traffic congestion and improve regional air quality in the KC metro region. It is completely free to participate in the challenge.
How long has the Green Commute Challenge been going on?
The first Green Commute Challenge took place in 2008.
Where is the Green Commute Challenge happening?
The Green Commute Challenge is open to people and employers who live/work within Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, Platte and Wyandotte counties in Kansas and Cass, Clay, Jackson and Ray counties in Missouri.
What is a green commute?
A green commute is a trip to and from university/college or work and business-related trips. The key is to avoid riding in your car by yourself.
How do I earn points?
Points can be earned for the following green modes:
- Carpooling/vanpooling
- Biking
- Walking/rolling
- Scooting
- Taking the bus
- Riding the streetcar
How do I participate in the Green Commute Challenge?
Participation is an easy process. Visit www.my.waytogokc.org to create a profile via desktop or mobile app. Fill in your employer or school info to be automatically added to the team. Under “Account”, select ‘Events’ to see the 2026 Green Commute Challenge. To participate in your employer/school team, add them to your profile. Start recording green commutes beginning Oct. 1 to earn points. You can spread the word and download promotional materials through our partner toolkit.
Are there minimum or maximum numbers for teams?
No. You can create a team of 1 or team of your entire office. We encourage teams of 1 to join the BikeWalk KC team.
How do I create a community team?
Community teams can be made up of neighbors, counties or individuals spread across different cities. To participate in an existing community team, select ‘Participate’ under the Team section then ‘Join a team.’ Team captains must create a team before others can join. If you are the captain, select “Account” then ‘Events’ then select ‘Participate’ in the Team section to create your team.
How do I join my employer team?
When you create your profile, make sure your employer information is filled out. You will automatically be added to the employer’s team upon completion.
Can my child participate in the Green Commute Challenge?
Participants must be a minimum of 18 years old to participate in the Green Commute Challenge. WAY TO GO often works with BikeShare KC to promote bike buses and learn-to-ride classes that are available to kids and adults.
What are some of the prizes?
There will be two prize drawings each week of the challenge. Prizes were donated from OverBoard Coffee, Urban Hikes, Betty Rae’s Ice Cream, Elite Cycling, BikeShare KC, Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, Screenland Armour, Chicken N Pickle, Penny’s in the Village, Broadway Roasting Company, Powell Gardens, Headrush Roasters, Messenger Coffee Co and The Roasterie, Made in Kansas City and Front Range to name a few.
Can I earn points for commuting outside of work and school?
No, you can only earn points for the green commute challenge based on commutes to and from a university/college or work and business-related trips. Lunch breaks, networking events, and coffee meetups qualify. When the challenge is not taking place, you can earn points in the WAY TO GO app for green trips that include professional and personal activities.
Can I increase my chances of winning using different modes?
Each week of the challenge focuses on a different mode of transportation. The weekly prize lottery will focus on those specific modes exclusively, but all green commutes recorded during the month will count towards your total.
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- Week 1: Carpool/Vanpool
- Week 2: Walking/Rolling
- Week 3: Transit (bus or streetcar)
- Week 4: Two-wheels
When does the Green Commute Challenge start? When does it end?
The Green Commute Challenge starts Oct. 1, 2026. The challenge ends Oct. 31, 2026. Participants can record their trips from Oct. 1 through Nov. 2, 2026, to be eligible to win.
Do you have teams that compete against each other?
All teams are competing against each other. The first and second place winners will receive $300 and $150 cash along with award plaques at the finale party on Thursday, Nov. 5.
If I won last year, can I win again?
Winners of the 2025 Green Commute Challenge are eligible for the weekly prize drawings but cannot receive the first or second place prizes for the 2026 challenge. Individual prizes are based on a lottery system after meeting the 24-trip minimum. Team prizes are based on total collective points.
How are winners determined?
Individuals must record a minimum of 24 trips to be eligible for the first and second place prizes. Teams are awarded based on the most points collected.
I want to see how I rank next to other participants. What do I need to do?
Under the “Account” section, select ‘Events’ to see the current challenge then select ‘Participating’ under the Individual section. This will allow you to see yourself on the leaderboard throughout the month.
