During my communications internship at Active Transportation Alliance, I made a social media campaign to promote Bike the Drive. I first made the plan on a Word document by combining text with visuals from Active Trans database. Then, I revised and Active Trans published my posts on X, their primary source of media outside of their website. Here, my campaign plan is located beneath my posts. I focused on writing with clear, accessible language that built up excitement for the upcoming event and also focused on topics such as bike safety, which was a priority for the community. I made sure to include a call to action directing viewers to my blog post titled "Fifth Third Bike the Drive: A Beginner's Guide."
Take a look at my X posts!
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Take a Look at My X Plan!
#bikethedrive
Promote Blog on Social Media
Each post has a recommended post date. For a thread, the number indicates the main post and each letter following is a threaded post connected to the one indicated by the number.
Some of the links are IMAGES from Image Relay (these don’t count towards character count) but the other links count as 23 characters on Twitter.
Date: 8/13
There’s roughly 1 month left to prepare for Fifth Third Bike the Drive on 9/3!
New to biking? Begin preparing in advance to increase your confidence on the bike!
You can learn more about how to best prepare here!
https://activetrans.org/blog/tips-for-fifth-third-bike-the-drive-first-timers
Date: 8/16 (Thread)
1. If you’re new to biking and want to participate in Fifth Third Bike on the Drive on 9/4, check out our thread about how to best prepare for the event:
a. Begin training in advance to increase your confidence on the bike.
If you spend a few weeks training, you’ll be able to gradually increase your endurance and bike handling skills that will come in handy during the event.
Image: https://activetrans.imagerelay.com/share/3e747438860b416eb97003da609d993c
b. Make sure you have a bike that fits your height and riding preferences.
Consider visiting a local bike shop to find a bike that fits your unique needs. Or consider renting from @bikechicago, Bobby’s Bike Hike, @DivvyBikes, or On the Route Bicycles.
Image: https://activetrans.imagerelay.com/share/b5621684dc6e4829ab4a683d42401e08
c. Make sure your bike is in good working order.
To do a proper bike safety check, bring it to your local bike shop or do it yourself with an ABC quick check.
d. Want to learn more?
Check out Active Tran’s Beginner’s Guide to Bike the Drive!
https://activetrans.org/blog/tips-for-fifth-third-bike-the-drive-first-timers
Date: 8/18 (Thread)
1. Are you looking for fun for the whole family?
Fifth Third Bike the Drive on 9/3 is a family tradition for many Chicagoans!
Image: https://activetrans.imagerelay.com/share/7a1d1c3ecbce46ea872115bd0a57b3cf
To ensure riders of all ages have a fantastic experience, here are a few tips for families:
a. Before arriving at the event, remind younger riders that they will need to stay close to you at all times to prevent getting separated.
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b. Remind them that this is a “just for fun” ride and they are encouraged to take breaks for water or rest when needed.
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c. Encourage them to use hand signals and their voices to let other riders know they are slowing down and stopping off to the right side of the Drive.
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d. If you’re interested in learning more tips about how to prepare for a great experience at the event, you can check out our beginner’s guide to Bike the Drive blog on our website!
https://activetrans.org/blog/tips-for-fifth-third-bike-the-drive-first-timers
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Date: 8/21
Are you interested in participating in Fifth Third Bike the Drive, one of Chicago’s most popular summer events, but are unsure where to begin?
Check out our blog post for people new to biking on how to best prepare for the event!
Image: https://activetrans.imagerelay.com/share/72677f4b0b7340c9925c27549eee5009
https://activetrans.org/blog/tips-for-fifth-third-bike-the-drive-first-timers
Date: 8/25
Are you new to biking and planning to participate in Fifth Third Bike the Drive? Here’s what you can do to prepare ahead of time in order to have a safe and enjoyable experience!
Check out our beginner’s guide to Fifth Third Bike the Drive if you are just getting started with cycling or returning to it!
https://activetrans.org/blog/tips-for-fifth-third-bike-the-drive-first-timers
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Image: https://activetrans.imagerelay.com/share/c85852db8c344acca645cd8c119109dc
Date: 8/28
Fifth Third Bike the Drive is an event for all ages and levels! Come connect with Chicago’s beautiful shoreline!
https://bikethedrive.org/register/
Here are a few tips to get you started!
https://activetrans.org/blog/tips-for-fifth-third-bike-the-drive-first-timers
Image: https://activetrans.imagerelay.com/share/2c5aec6363464c19bd3c80fbb3ef5147
Date: 9/1 (Thread)
1. Fifth Third Bike the Drive is just around the corner. Here are a few tips to keep in mind on the day of the event.
a. Wear comfortable clothes while you’re on the bike and protect your head!
Workout clothes will add to your comfort, and make sure to check the weather as the day approaches so that you are prepared rain or shine, too!
And to keep everyone safe, all riders are required to wear a helmet!
Image: https://activetrans.imagerelay.com/share/8861db01484742daaae78c9ddd42d601
b. Ride predictability and visibly
To reduce the chance for conflicts, communicate with other riders by directly calling out or signaling your intentions using hand signals.
c. Pace yourself and hydrate properly.
Start slow and be sure to listen to your body and hydrate as needed.
d. Take breaks.
There are three rest stops along the route with water snacks and restrooms at Bryn Mawr Avenue, The Museum of Science and Industry, and the main festival area in Butler Field.
Image: https://activetrans.imagerelay.com/share/4b2852bffe4a4f978514f4fd5703b3dc
e. Want to learn more?
Check out Active Tran’s Beginner’s Guide to Bike the Drive!
https://activetrans.org/blog/tips-for-fifth-third-bike-the-drive-first-timer