Are YOU Up to the Challenge?

May 31, 2011

Commuters encouraged to put a little green into daily trip

During National Environment Week, June 5 - 11, the City of Edmonton challenges its employees and citizens to pick up the gauntlet and participate in the national Commuter Challenge.

The choices are vast: cycle, walk, carpool, ride transit, jog, skateboard or rollerblade for just one day this week. Edmontonians will make their city proud and, more importantly, they will benefit from the rewards of car alternatives.

“The benefits are boundless! You will protect the environment, save money and improve your health,” said Mary Modrovcic, Transportation Technician, Sustainable Transportation. “A very small change can make a very big difference when enough people commit themselves to the cause. Stop driving alone and choose a sustainable mode of transportation, and see what a difference it makes it your life and the lives of those around you.”

Participation in the challenge helps promote transportation alternatives to single-occupant vehicles to reduce dependence on oil, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance air quality, all key goals of The Way We Green, the city’s environmental strategic plan to preserve and sustain Edmonton’s environment.

Dozens of organizations have already signed up. The workplaces and cities with the highest percentage of healthier commuters are declared the winners, but really, everyone wins! Last year, Winnipeg boasted over 7,900 participants, with Calgary coming in second at 5,014 and Waterloo taking third with 1,440.

“Unfortunately, only a few hundred people in Edmonton signed up for the challenge last year, but we know there are many more are out there who take advantage of alternate modes of transportation every day,” said Modrovcic. “We need these commuter champions in Edmonton to sign up so we can show the rest of Canada that Edmonton literally “walks the walk” when it comes to sustainable transportation.”

Working together Edmontonians can keep on track to becoming one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable cities.