The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) recognized the efforts of 35 employees who participated in the Active Transportation Alliance’s 2025 Bike Commuter Challenge, earning top honors and demonstrating the agency’s commitment to sustainability, health, and teamwork.

Between May 27 and June 23, 2025, Team MWRD biked a total of 2,809.89 miles, securing second place among 16 teams in the Public Agency category and fifth overall out of more than 100 participating teams across the Chicago region. Their performance placed them just behind powerhouse teams from Northwestern University, SRAM, Rush University Medical Center, and Cook County Health.

Team members commuted by bicycle to and from work or used bikes to connect with public transit, recording their trips and miles throughout the competition. Thomas Hacker, MWRD’s Emergency Planning Program Coordinator, served as team captain, with Principal Civil Engineer Frederick Wu as co-captain. They continued a legacy of leadership established by founding captain Tom Liston and past captain Peter Monko.

Robert Burns led the team with 481 miles biked, followed by Jennifer Burns with 315.7 miles, Christopher Belz with 283 miles, and Joe Cook, who received an honorable mention for his 252.6 miles.

By choosing bikes over cars, MWRD employees saved approximately 133.8 gallons of gasoline and prevented more than 2,676 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Collectively, they burned an estimated 131,128 calories.

“This bike to work challenge was more than a competition—it was a reflection of our values,” said MWRD President Kari K. Steele. “Our staff took meaningful action to reduce emissions, improve their health, and show how even small, daily decisions can make a big impact.”

Participation in the Bike Commuter Challenge supports MWRD’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan goals by advancing resource management, promoting employee wellness, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening community partnerships.

The MWRD Board of Commissioners passed a resolution congratulating the team and encouraged more employees to join in next year’s challenge.

“Our employees showed what it means to lead by example,” said Vice President Patricia Theresa Flynn. “Their dedication to this challenge reflects our values—protecting our environment, promoting public health, and supporting one another as a team. I was proud to sponsor this resolution and proud of every MWRD employee who participated.”

Participants included: Michael Ahrens, George Aygar, John Bachtell, Christopher Belz, Robert Burns, Jennifer Burns, Jorge Camarena, Joe Cook, Brendan Dailey, Nathan Eatman, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Moriah Gelder, Tom Hacker, Elaine Harris, Tracy Ito, Sean Kelly, Phillip Keeku, Lynn Kohlhaas, Jeffrey Kowar, David Kukulka, Joe Loscuito, Noel Maldonado, Meagan Matias, Anthony Melo, Phillip Newberg, Colin Reilly, Josue Rodriguez, Steve Schwartz, Patrick Sendera, Tom Sinickas, Lou Storino, Patrick Thomas, Stefanie Urian, Dan Wendt, and Frederick Wu.