If you regularly read this blog, you know that I use my bike as my main form of transportation. I’ve found it is the best way for me to travel around the city and get the things I need.

I know some of you like bicycling for those same reasons, which is why I’ve decided it’s time for a pre-spring bike challenge. Are you ready? Today I’m launching the Utilitaire 12, which will run from today through March 16.

What’s a utilitaire? Essentially, it’s utility cycling– a ride on your bike to do an errand, or to transport yourself some place for a specific purpose. Cycling to lunch, to the grocery store, your job… it all falls under utilitairing.

For purposes of this contest, riders can select from a full list of Utilitaire 12-eligible categories.

Successfully complete 12 utilitaires in six weeks and win a prize, provided you adhere to my Utilitaire Rulebook!

I hope you will consider being part of the movement. Here’s how it works.

1. Complete 12 utilitaires from now through Friday, March 16, completing the Utilitaire Control Card (click to open) as you go.
2. Each utilitaire must be at least two miles round trip, , but there is no maximum to what you can ride.
3. Any day is a good day to utilitaire! You can complete a utilitaire any day of the week.
4. You may complete a maximum of two qualifying utilitaires per week.
5. You must complete utilitaires from at least seven of the 12 categories represented on the Utilitaire Control Card.
6. Each category may be used a maximum of two times. For example, you may count riding your bike to a movie a total of two times.
7. You may utilitaire twice in one day one time only!  For example, you could choose to utilitaire to lunch, and then do another ride to dessert.
8. At least two utilitaires must occur after dark, and you must describe the lighting method used.
9. To show evidence of your ride, you must take one photo during your utilitaire and submit at least one thing you learned or observed during your trip.
10. If you think of a utilitaire that does not fall into any category listed on the Utilitaire Control Card, you may request to substitute your proposed utilitaire for one on the card. Requests must be submitted to me, either via a comment on this post or to the e-mail address listed below.
11. PEDESTRIAN ALLOWANCE RULE: Because stuff happens, two of your utilitaires may be by foot.  Your walk must at least 10 minutes each way, for a total of 20 minutes.
12. There are no geographic limitations on the Utilitaire 12.
13. Deadline for submission for the Utilitaire 12 is March 18, 2012.
14. Submit your Utilitaire 12 paperwork, including your Utilitaire Control Card to me at gersemalina “at” gmail.com.
15. All qualifying rides must be submitted at the same time. That is, send me all 12 together, NOT ride 1, ride 2, etc. If you have been blogging your utilitaires, you can send me the links to those as well as the completed control card.
16. Be prepared to be featured as a guest post on this blog if when you successfully complete this challenge.

15 16 rules, 12 utilitaires, and six almost seven weeks to get them all done. I know you’re up for it.  As you are out and about, feel free to tweet about it using the hashtag #utilitaire. I can’t wait to hear how it’s going!