Bike, Bus, Walk Week participation doubles

Ozark Greenways estimates participating businesses and schools had nearly 800 representatives in the ninth annual competition, which encourages using bicycles, riding city buses, walking or carpooling to and from work or school. The 2008 competition resulted in savings of more than 6,000 miles of driving, according to an Ozark Greenways news release.

City Utilities, which operates the city’s public transit system, gave 531 free bus rides to cyclists during the week, and Panera gave breakfast vouchers to registered participants.

Ozark Greenways awarded businesses and schools for having the most participation in the event:

• CoxHealth, in the large business category;

• Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc., in the medium business category;

• Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Ozarks, a tie in the small business category;

• Rountree Elementary school, in the primary school category; and

• Greene County employees, an honorable mention for the most driving miles – 1,200 – saved.