A revival of an old tradition met a new generation of UofL leadership on Aug. 30 during Pedal with the Provost, a cycling event that kicked off the 2026 Cards Commuter Challenge. Organized by the UofL Sustainability Council, Cardinals took off from Amelia Place, the official home of the University of Louisville president, and enjoyed a 4.5-mile bike ride through Cherokee Park’s scenic loop during Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s monthly car-free Sunday.
“The ride was a fun opportunity to connect with our university community while highlighting sustainability and well-being,” said Provost Katie Cardarelli. “I enjoyed getting out, spending time with our community and encouraging others to think about healthier, more sustainable ways of getting around.”
The casual ride encouraged Cardinals to get outside and enjoy community through physical activity while highlighting environmentally beneficial means of travel. The Cards Commuter Challenge goes through Sept. 30. For the challenge, Cardinals log alternative commutes riding buses, carpooling, cycling or other means to cut back on personal emissions. By entering more commutes, participants compete with others to win prizes.
“The Cards Commuter Challenge is UofL’s biggest annual effort to encourage students, faculty and staff to discover the joys, savings, community, environmental health and wellness benefits of leaving the car at home and navigating our city by walking, biking, skating, carpooling or hopping on TARC,” said Justin Mog, assistant to the provost for sustainability initiatives. “What better way to kick it all off than by going for a group ride with our university leadership? Provost Cardarelli is encouraging everyone who can to find a better way to stay active.”
To join the Cards Commuter Challenge, UofL students, faculty and staff must register with Cardinal Directions, UofL’s free trip-planning and carpool-matching service, and log alternative commutes. The university offers several programs for helping Cardinals commute, including free TARC rides with the Token Transit App, carpool matching and UofL Sustainability’s BikeShare program.
“As a university, we have a responsibility not only to prepare for the future, but to help shape it,” Cardarelli said. “Sustainable practices allow us to model responsible choices that support healthier people, a healthier environment and a stronger community.”
To learn more about the university’s sustainability initiatives, visit UofL Sustainability’s website.
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