FAQ's

Font Size: + -

Feedback Print

A few answers to our most common questions

FAQs

Does carpooling or riding the bus count?

While carpooling and bus riding did not used to count in the original Sole Power program, they both count now with Sole Power Plus. Sole Power Plus includes human powered commuting such as walking, biking, e-biking, skating, and running, as well as Plus Powered modes of bus riding and carpooling. There are two leaderboards - one for human powered commuting trips and the other for plus powered commuting trips.
How are the carbon emissions calculated?

We use the EPA calculations for carbon content emitted from driving one mile. According to the EPA on average, 400 grams of CO2 is emitted per mile driven, or about 0.88lbs of CO2 per mile. We then take the average fuel mileage used by the Department of Energy on the same site of 24.4 miles per gallon. Bus ridership and carpooling use a modified version of these calculations. Using this information and the mileage you enter for your trip we can calculate how much fuel is saved and then how much carbon you have prevented from entering the atmosphere.
How do I register?

You can register by downloading the updated Sole Power Plus mobile app from the Google Play store Apple Store. If you already have the Sole Power app, it will automatically update. Once the app the is downloaded, it will walk you through the steps to register. You can participate as an individual or join a team.
I forgot to enter my trip; can I still get credit for that trip?

Yes. The manual trip log on the mobile app allows participants to enter information from older trips. Please remember Sole Power Plus works on the honor system and the challenge is about having fun so no cheating. If you have issues or accidently enter incorrect data, you can edit and adjust your trips in the app accordingly.
Now that carpooling and riding the bus count, how are the leaderboards determined?

To make it fair, there will be two leaderboards. One will be a human powered leaderboard where all walking, running, biking, e-biking, and skating trips logged will be recorded. And there will be a Plus Powered leaderboard which will account for the carpooling and bus trips logged. Both Individual and Team categories will have human powered and plus powered leaderboards.
What counts as a trip?

A trip can be counted as any time a participant does not use a vehicle when they otherwise would have. A commute to work, a trip to the grocery store, or a trip to a restaurant, all count. A trip does not include a walk, a bike ride or a run that is purely recreational or for training. A trip in a single occupancy vehicle or with people you normally would be driving with (like your children, spouse, or partner) also does not count. We are trying to substitute “sole” power for gasoline power. With Sole Power Plus, the program is expanding to include Plus Powered commuting of taking the bus or carpooling (with people you normally wouldn't be driving with). Walking 18 holes at the golf course or your mountain bike ride do not count. If you would have otherwise driven a single occupancy vehicle - it counts.
What do I get out of Sole Power Plus?

We hope that you will get the satisfaction of a great walk, run, bike ride, bus ride, or carpool experience while going to and from work, running errands, or going to social events. However, we understand that if that were the case everyone would do it. With Sole Power Plus you can check out the leaderboard and see how you stack up against other participants. There also is a team challenge that allows you to create your team and see how you stack up against others. And the best part - it is free. There are social events with food and drinks over the course of the year, raffles with free prizes and grand prizes at the end of each season.
What happens if someone cheats?

Sole Power Plus runs on the honor system. We believe that we have good and honorable people here in Eagle County and we do not need to heavily police actions. At the end of the day, this program is meant to be fun and good for the community. While we trust our participants, if it is determined that someone has falsely entered trips, program administrators have the ability to edit trip data.
What is the number used for price of gasoline?

National gasoline prices are tracked by a number of different organizations we use the AAA fuel report page and found the average price for the Vail area. Prices will fluctuate over the course of each season. We use the challenge starting price- so your true savings will be a bit higher as gas prices tend to increase over the summer.

More FAQs

Not finding the answer to your questions?
No problem - just shoot us an email and we'll get right back to you.

EMAIL US YOUR QUESTION SEND US A TESTIMONIAL

Sole Power Plus | Participate Today!

Sole Power Plus | Participate Today!

Pass On the Solo Driving Journey
Bike - Walk - Run – Carpool – Bus - Log for the environment

The Town of Vail and friends across Eagle County are excited to bring you the Sole Power Plus Program – a free, year-round green commuting challenge designed to help us all reduce our carbon footprint, get fit and save the planet and dollars all at the same time. Don’t delay, sign up today.

A man gets into passenger side of truck for carpooling.

A few answers to our most common questions

FAQs

Not finding the answer to your questions? No problem - just shoot us an email and we'll get right back to you.

Not finding the answer to your questions?
No problem - just shoot us an email and we'll get right back to you.