This summer, Yellowstone National Park staff had the opportunity to enjoy another mode of transportation?through 10 pedal-powered bicycles donated by the Ford Motor Company, a total donation value of $9,490.

In early June the Ford Pick Your Park Sweepstakes, nearly 11,000 elementary school students from across the country voted Yellowstone National Park as the park they would most like to visit. As the winning park, Yellowstone received the K2 bicycles along with 10 helmets. Interpretive and law enforcement rangers used the bicycles for administrative purposes and to monitor thermal activity where biking is allowed. More important, rangers on bicycles were provided the opportunity to enjoy a more personal one-on-one experience with park visitors.

"We are thrilled with the vote of support from our country's youth," Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Suzanne Lewis noted. "And we especially appreciate the Ford Motor Company's commitment and support to Yellowstone and other parks as a Proud Partner of America's National Parks."

As a Proud Partner of America's National Parks, Ford Motor Company is working closely with the National Park Foundation and the National Park Service to help develop innovative transportation and environmental solutions that enable visitors to enjoy the more than 380 National Parks without compromising their beauty. For more information about this program, go to http://www.nationalparks.org/proudpartners/partner_ford.shtml.