County launches "Scout September" transportation challenge

Published on August 26, 2025

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Three-week campaign encourages sustainable transportation with prizes, community events

Tompkins County residents are invited to participate in Scout September, a three-week transportation challenge running September 7-28 that rewards participants for using sustainable travel modes, including walking, biking, public transit, and carpooling.

The initiative, powered by the Tompkins Transportation Scout app, aims to promote environmentally friendly transportation options while building community connections through a series of engaging events and competitions.

"Scout September offers residents a fun way to explore transportation options in our community while earning rewards for making sustainable choices," said Courtney Horner, Transportation Planner for Tompkins County. "Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or new to public transit, we want to ensure you have the resources and independence to make informed decisions on how you travel to work, school, medical appointments, or social outings. Scout September just adds some friendly competition to that!” To participate, download the Scout app or visit my.tompkinsscout.org and visit the ‘Races’ tab. Then sign up as an individual and/or create or join a team.

Prize categories and awards

Participants can compete for prizes in multiple categories:

  • Greener Trips Champion (Sept 7-28): $80 gift card to Finger Lakes Running Company
  • Walking Winner (Sept 7-13): $30 gift card to Gimme! Coffee
  • Biking Best (Sept 7-13): $30 gift card to The Corner Brew
  • Transit Superstar (Sept 14-20): $30 gift card to Museum of the Earth
  • Carpool Champion (Sept 21-27): $30 gift card to Salt Point Brewing

Team winners will receive certificates and community recognition for their sustainable transportation leadership.

Community events schedule

Scout September features multiple community engagement opportunities:

September 7, 7:30 PM – Lighted Bike Ride with Bike Walk Tompkins (803 Cascadilla St.). Family-friendly ride through downtown Ithaca focusing on rider safety and visibility.

September 9, 3-7 PM – Bike Walk Open Shop at Bike Walk Tompkins. Community workshop for bike maintenance and purchasing refurbished bicycles.

September 13, 7 AM-1 PM – Tompkins County Airport Day and Preparedness Expo. Features TCAT and Gadabout bus displays, staff meet-and-greets, and public transit education.

September 18, 4-6 PM – Bus and Bites with GO ITHACA. Guided bus trip from the Tompkins County Public Library to Wegmans, including transit tips and refreshments.

September 23-26 – One Call One Click Center Pop-Ups at Trumansburg Library (Sept 23, 12-1 PM), Dryden Library (Sept 24, 12-2 PM), and Newfield Library (Sept 26, 4-6 PM). Carpooling education, volunteer driver information, and Scout app demonstrations.

September 26-27 – Transportation Team hosting activities at Apple Harvest Festival on Ithaca Commons. Information booth staffed by local transportation organizations.

About the Scout app

The Tompkins Transportation Scout app provides comprehensive transportation resources for county residents, including trip planning tools, carpool matching services, the Emergency Ride Home program, and a rewards system for sustainable transportation choices. Residents can download the Scout app and register for Scout September challenges at my.tompkinsscout.org.

For more information about Scout September events and prizes, contact Courtney Horner, Transportation Planner, Tompkins County Department of Planning and Sustainability, 607-274-5560.

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