Beyond the Bus

The novel coronavirus has brought a lot of changes this year.

CATA has taken part in the nationwide #SoundTheHorn campaign, learned how to make face masks, and even spread the word on how to virtually access local libraries. On a larger scale, we shut down our facilities for months to slow the spread of COVID-19, temporarily suspended bus fares, adopted free curb-to-curb service and only recently returned to our fixed-route system with safety protocols in place.

While some adaptations were easy, others proved more difficult such as limited accessibility to our friends, family and summer events. We have learned how to connect virtually, substituting our normal interactions with ones from miles apart. 

This year, the annual Come Clean Duathlon, like many other local races, is taking on the virtual approach. 

Here are just a few reasons why this virtual race is going to be a great experience.

1. It's connecting you with a cause.

Hosted by CATA's Clean Commute Options program, we designed this race to be a way to encourage people to get out, enjoy the fresh air and learn about clean commuting. With the current state of our climate and the challenges it faces, it is more important than ever that we all do our part! We promote alternative ways to travel such as biking, walking (or running!), riding the bus and car/vanpooling to help keep emissions down and our air clean. 

In addition to promoting clean air, this year we are giving back to the members of our local community that have given so much to to us. We will hold a raffle with big ticket items purchased from Playmakers, Pizza House and Creative Wellness. We will also be raffling off gift cards from local restaurants.

You will automatically receive a raffle ticket with registration. For each person you refer to our race, you can also earn a bonus raffle entry and $5 back from your registration fee.

2. The swag couldn't be sweeter, unless it was candy. 

Looking for an awesome takeaway to show off your commitment to the in environment, as well as the completion of this awesome athletic endeavor? We’ve got you covered. Here’s what you will receive when you register for this event:

• Medals for all finishers
• Awesome race shirt
• Custom race bib
• Come Clean Duathlon face mask
• Raffle prizes from local businesses
• Digitally remastered race photos that we ask you to take and submit

3. Location, location, location.

One of the most incredible parts of a virtual race is the freedom to complete it at your own pace, in your own time, and in whatever place you choose. Do you prefer to run by the water? Through the country? In the comfort of your own home? Find your racetrack wherever you feel safe and comfortable (and can easily maintain social distancing guidelines!).

4. You can run, bike and run far away from the quarantine blues.

Looking for something to get you out of your tired old routine? Here is your perfect excuse to get outside and be part of an event, while still maintaining all safety and social distancing regulations. Here is your chance to be a part of something bigger! Get your kids, family members and friends involved.  For each person you refer to the 2020 Come Clean Duathlon, you can earn a bonus raffle entry and $5 back from your registration fee.

Ready to register? Visit comecleanduathlon.org now before our 150 spots fill up.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the health and safety of our riders remains our top priority. As the Lansing area faces hardship, we do our best to remain available, accessible and affordable for all who require our services. We continue to drive our community by supporting small businesses, essential workers and the underprivileged.

In the ongoing fight against COVID-19, we want to ensure that all of our riders feel safe and comfortable riding our buses. We have increased sanitation standards on all of our vehicles. Watch the video below to see how we have been maintaining safety and sanitation protocols. 

We ask that all of our riders to continue wearing face masks while on board, as well as maintain at least 6 feet of physical distance between themselves and other riders. Thanks for doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19. We are all in this together.

It's no secret that CATA is proud of our community’s library system. We have profiled the Capital Area District Libraries’ services during the COVID-19 pandemic and their special Library of Things, where adult cardholders can check out unique hands-on items from ghost-hunting kits to bus passes.

We are turning the page to another chapter in our partnership with CADL, as we proudly join their Summer Reading Challenge. You do not have to be a library member to get involved, and it is free to join.

But why would you want to read as much as you can between now and the challenge’s August 8 deadline? We’ll give you five good reasons to crack open a good book for the Summer Reading Challenge.

1. It can be tailored toward any age.

The Summer Reading Challenge offers four separate tracks, depending on your age group. Babies, toddlers, kids, teens and adults can all be part of the challenge.

2. You could win a computer, iPad, Chromebook, or other piece of tech gear.

Kids and teens who complete all levels of the Summer Reading Challenge can enter to win one of (at least) 20 tech devices. CADL is giving away these devices to close the digital divide between kids with easy computer access and reliable Internet, and kids without.

Click here for the official rules and entry form.

3. You can pay back library fines.

Kids and teens can earn a $5 coupon to help pay back any library fines. They can earn this coupon just by reaching the second level of CADL’s Summer Reading Challenge.

4. It’s a way to beat the summer slide.

When school is out for summer, children can lose many of their academic gains from the school year. Reading levels, spelling skills, and vocabulary can take a hit.

Click here to learn more about the summer slide and how the Summer Reading Challenge can help fend it off.

5. There are opportunities to win new experiences and prizes.

Read and be rewarded! Participants could win gift cards to the MSU Dairy Store, Traverse City Pie Company, Meijer, Target, Biggby and more. For kids up to age 13, the grand prize is a family getaway to the Bavarian Inn Waterpark in Frankenmuth. Teens have a chance to win a 10-pack of one-hour passes to Launch Trampoline Park.

For a full list of prizes by age group, click here.

In addition to the Summer Reading Challenge, CADL is also hosting community scavenger hunts, online escape room challenges, virtual storytimes, craft corners and more. View their catalog of summer activities and join us in extending a huge “Thank you!” to CADL for creating innovative ways to make summer learning fun.