A month powered by yourself: Registration for the May Challenge Bike to Work, Walk or Run 2026 starts

A month without cars, but with self-powered transport. That is what the association AutoMat is once again calling for—already for the 16th time—through the “Bike to Work, Walk or Run” May Challenge, which takes place in 56 cities. The challenge traditionally reaches tens of thousands of people across the country and helps change people’s transport habits while also highlighting the need for infrastructure for active mobility. Registration for teams and individuals starts in February.

“From the very first edition, we have kept the same mission: changing transport habits across the Czech Republic and jointly shaping cities that support the development of infrastructure for active mobility. The May Challenge is one of the tools that helps us fulfill the goal of the AutoMat association, which for 22 years has been safe and friendly cities for everyone,” explains Lucie Rýzlerová, head of the Bike to Work project. Over its 15 years, the May Challenge has attracted more than 110,000 individual participants; last year there were about 23,000.

How it works

The principle is simple. You register as an individual or a team of 2–5 people, pay the participation fee, and during May you try to travel as sustainably as possible, logging your trips in the system. The challenge is not about the number of kilometers traveled, but about consistency. Teams that achieve 66.6% or higher regularity (meaning two-thirds of their commutes to and from work are made by non-motorized transport) are entered into a prize draw after the challenge ends.

Movement with joy

The 16th edition of the challenge has the subtitle “Bike to Work and from Work mmmm.” This chant or meditative sound expresses a feeling of calm, a clear mind, and joy from movement. Regular physical activity has a key impact not only on physical fitness but also on mental health. The idea is supported by a new visual identity created by illustrator Filip Zatloukal in cooperation with WMC/Grey, which also produced a new campaign video starring Luciana Tomášová. The video will be shown on Czech Television, in cinemas, and on social media.

Cycling in a new T-shirt

An integral part of the challenge is also the annual original T-shirt with an author-designed print or socks. This year’s novelty is the option to choose between participation with a package (T-shirt or socks) or a cheaper, more sustainable option without the package.

This year’s participation T-shirts for the May Challenge

Companies in motion

The May Challenge also works as an unconventional form of team building. For companies, it is at the same time an opportunity to do something for sustainability and social responsibility, and to showcase it on social media or in ESG reporting.

“Employers pay the entry fee for 80% of participants in the challenge, and they particularly appreciate the inter-team motivation and positive encouragement toward a healthier lifestyle. Healthier employees also take fewer sick days and are more creative,” adds Anna Kociánová from AutoMat.

A marketing package is prepared for companies, which they can use both for internal communication and external promotion.

Accompanying events and voting

A traditional part of the “Bike to Work, Walk or Run” challenge includes “Action for a T-shirt” events, cycling rides and group bike trips, as well as final parties with prize draws organized by co-organizers in more than 50 participating cities.

Participants in the May Challenge also nominate candidates for the titles “Cycling Employer” and “Cycling City of the Year.” In parallel with the challenge, there is also the “Bike to School” campaign, aimed at pupils, students, and teachers.

More information is available at www.dopracenakole.cz

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