Press Release
For Immediate Release
January 12, 2026
Contact
Lilliane Webb
328 S. Fifth Ave.,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
getdowntown.org
734-219-6596
LWebb@TheRide.org
ANN ARBOR, MI – The getDowntown Program is pleased to announce the start of the Conquer the Cold challenge. Hundreds of community members are anticipated to join the challenge by logging their transportation choices, engaging in online and in-person events, and earning prizes.
“The challenge is a great motivator to choose taking the bus, walking, biking, or carpooling over the next five weeks,” stated Lilliane Webb, getDowntown Program Director. “The early-year timing of the challenge helps community members make mindful decisions about their commutes and other weekly trips that can last throughout 2026.”
The Conquer the Cold challenge is one of several activities of the getDowntown Program that encourages walking, biking, using public transportation, and carpooling instead of driving alone. To participate, community members log when they take trips using sustainable forms of transportation in the greater Ann Arbor area at win.getDowntown.org.
This year, participants may win gift cards to Bivouac and other local Ann Arbor businesses by logging their trips. Additionally, various winter prizes can be earned while supplies last. Community members can also enter several social media contests throughout the challenge on getDowntown’s platforms on Facebook and Instagram.
The getDowntown program is providing social opportunities during Conquer the Cold to allow participants to meet others in the challenge and to create teams with co-workers, family, or friends. Teams can view the collective impacts of their group’s transportation choices in estimated emissions prevented and miles not driven. Events taking place during the challenge provide opportunities to socialize and learn about transportation resources:
- A virtual kickoff will be held on January 12th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm via Zoom
- A midpoint mixer is planned for January 27th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Detroit Street Filling Station
- A simmer pot craft is planned for February 7th from 2:00 – 3:30 pm at the Ann Arbor District Library – Downtown Branch
The Conquer the Cold challenge runs January 12 – February 12, 2026. Visit ConquerTheCold.org for challenge information, event details, and winter commuting resources.