More than 1,600 employees from 130 companies rose to the challenge of bicycling to work in June, according to the results of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation's 2006 Bicycle Commuter Challenge, which were released July 12.

In its 13th year, the Bicycle Commuter Challenge swung to a 31 percent increase in organizational participation from 2005 amid fierce competition from obesity and laziness. All ten categories of the competition saw a record number of participants in 2006.

First-time winners for 2006 include the Chicago Department of Public Health, Regional Planning Board, Cook County Office of the Chief Judge - MIS, Paper Source and Rapid Transit Cycleshop, while the Field Museum returns to the winner's circle for the first time since 2003. Repeat winners from 2005 include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Pepper Group, Center for Neighborhood Technology and SRAM.

The US EPA and Swedish Covenant Hospital achieved a tie for the highest number of participants while the Pepper Group, Design Integrity, Rapid Transit and Amlings Cycle & Fitness each achieved 100 percent participation level from their employees.

For the past 13 years, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation has organized the Bicycle Commuter Challenge because Chicago is home to some of the worst traffic congestion in the United States and commuting by bicycle is a great way to combine exercise and transportation. Participating organizations receive a packet of materials including a how-to guide and maps to help employees plan safe, efficient commuting routes. The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is also available to conduct on-site presentations on bicycle commuting.

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation will award prizes at a July 21 luncheon from sponsors including: SRAM, The Fairmont Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Planet Bike, Clif Bar, Museum of Science and Industry, Field Museum and Eli's Cheesecake.

2006 Category Winners:

Public Agency

500+ US Environmental Protection Agency 100-499 Chicago Department of Public Health 25-99 Regional Planning Board 5-24 Cook County Office of the Chief Judge - MIS

Business/Non-profit

500+ Field Museum 100-499 Paper Source 25-99 Center for Neighborhood Technology 5-24 The Pepper Group

Bicycle-Related Business

24-99 SRAM 5-24 Rapid Transit Cycleshop

For complete results, please visit www.biketraffic.org