Pedal Your Way to Better Health, Rewards With Blue Cross' New 'do cycl...( Health Plan Teams Up with Local Bike...),Health

Health Plan Teams Up with Local Bike Shops to Encourage More Cycling This

Summer

EAGAN, Minn., July 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (Blue Cross) wants more Minnesotans to reap the benefits of "pedal power" this summer. The health plan's do Campaign has teamed up with Minnesota bicycle shops to create a new "do cycle" program where people can earn a range of free and discounted merchandise, based on the number of miles ridden.

"Minnesota has more miles of paved bike trails than any other state, and Minneapolis ranks second behind Portland, Oregon for having the highest percentage of people who bike to work," explained Jill Chamberlain, health improvement project manager with Blue Cross. "So, we're excited to be working with the various bike shops on this program. Whether you're an avid rider or need to dust off that bike sitting in the garage, we want to encourage people of all ages to get pedaling," added Chamberlain.

To get started in the "do cycle" program, sign up at http://www.do-groove.com. Follow the instructions online and pick one of the 20+ participating bike shops. Once registered, cyclists go to their selected bike shop to record their bike's current computer/odometer mileage (bikes need to be equipped with a mileage-tracking device and can be purchased for as little as $20, not including installation costs). Cyclists can redeem their miles once they reach any of the following milestones:

-- 50 miles -- earns a free do water bottle

-- 100 miles -- earns 10 percent off purchase at the selected bike shop

-- 200 miles -- earns 10 percent off purchases at the selected bike shop,

plus either a free pair of do cycle socks or a do water bottle

-- 400 miles -- earns 10 percent off purchases at the selected bike shop,

plus either a free do cycle T-shirt, pair of do cycle sock
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