Looking for motivation to decrease your auto dependence this summer? Take the city’s Walk Bike Ride Challenge.

We’re asking you to walk, bike and ride more to work, shop and play and cut two car trips a week from July 4 to July 31.

This is a fun and simple way to try out more of your transportation options. We’re having a drawing, with prizes including a $1,500 electric bike (provided by REI and e-Moto), a $250 gift certificate to REI, an overnight stay at the Pan Pacific Hotel Seattle, a dinner for two at the Georgian in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, and a free Zipcar membership plus $100 of free usage.

You can go to http://walkbikeride.seattle.gov/challenge and register any time to start cutting trips as early as July 4, Independence Day. Report your two saved car trips each week, or you can report all your weeks at the end of July. For each week you participate, you’ll be entered into the drawing.

If the prizes aren’t enough incentive, do it for the possibility of improved air quality in our fair city. Late summer around these parts is downright LA-like.

Ironically, the Bus Fam will be celebrating this weekend with a (Zip)car ride–for our annual pilgrimage to my mountain. Now about those REI gift certificates…