COLUMBIA — Winning a free bicycle, getting temporary tattoos and learning how to play bike polo are some of the many incentives that set this year's annual Bike, Walk and Wheel Week apart from years past.
GetAbout Columbia hosts the seven-day program, which kicks off 1 p.m. Saturday at Flat Branch Park, and culminates May 9 with various events throughout the week.
The event originated in 2001 when Mayor Darwin Hindman challenged citizens to bike, walk or "wheel" to their destinations instead of using vehicles. Since then, the event has grown from 750 to 4,500 participants last year, according to GetAbout Columbia's Web site.
To have the chance to win a free refurbished bicycle Sunday, participants must register by 12:30 p.m. at GetAbout's office at 101 N. Seventh St. Giveaways will begin at 1 p.m. at the offices and last until supplies run out.
Janet Godon, the Bike, Walk and Wheel Week coordinator for GetAbout Columbia, has been a part of the project for the last three years.
"We are really trying to reach new people who have never tried riding their bike or walking for transportation," Godon said. "We're hoping to have people understand riding a bike or walking is viable for short distances."
People can register for the program online or at any of the locations of sponsored events from May 2 through May 9.
This year, the event will feature more educational programs, which will emphasize bicycle safety and operation, the advantages commuting by foot or bicycle and a forum on health and fitness.
"They will become healthier, save money from gas and they'll find it's a fun thing to do and do it more often," Godon said.
So far, 1,800 people have registered, and GetAbout wants to have at least 5,000 participants. According to Godon, most participants register at the events.
Support for the program comes from GetAbout's budget as well as substantial in-kind donations from local businesses and organizations, Godon said.