The Comox Valley is celebrating the fifth highest participation rate in BC’s 2017 Commuter Challenge. Last month, 125 Comox Valley participants registered to take transit, cycle, walk, car pool or telecommute to work. Together, they travelled 4,551 km, preventing 825 kg of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere and collectively burning nearly 90,000 calories.
Carpoolers, cyclists and bus riders dominated the event with 40 per cent of participants travelling to work by bike, 28 percent carpooling, 18 per cent taking transit, five per cent telecommuting and 9 per cent walking. Results by city and province and can be viewed at: www.commuterchallenge.ca.
The Commuter Challenge is a national initiative to raise awareness about sustainable modes of transportation for commuters. The free week-long event in early June asks workplaces to register a team online. Employees track trips to and from their workplace and can enter their names in a draw for some exciting prizes.
“We wanted to reward people who chose a sustainable commute to work, so we rounded up prizes from great local sponsors, and donated a few prizes as well”, explained Vince Van Tongeren, Policy and Sustainability Analyst at the Comox Valley Regional District.
Prizes were dispersed through new registrant draws, random prize draws, referring other workplaces, posting on social media and for having the highest participation in each workplace size category.
“I typically drive [to work], but made an effort to bus and walk to try it out,” said Ruth Billington of Comox Medical Clinic who was randomly selected for a $250 prize. “I saw the adverting on the bus and in the paper for the Commuter Challenge and it spurred me to get our office manager to sign our workplace up. I am so happy we participated and I am now a full time transit commuter!”
Congratulations to the winning Commuter Challenge organizations in the following categories:
Large Organization Category Winner (over 30 employees): London Drugs Courtenay
Medium Organization Category Winner (11-29 employees): BC Assessment
Small Organization Category Winner (3-10 employees): Green Valley Aromatherapy
Mini Organization Category Winner (1-2 employees): Pod Creative
“A big thank you to all the workplaces and individuals that made the effort to participate in the Commuter Challenge,” says Van Tongeren. “Your dedication and enthusiasm were much appreciated.”
“This event would not have been so successful in our first year without the generosity of all our sponsors” says Lindsay Eason, Commuter Challenge Coordinator. “Make sure you join the 2018 Commuter Challenge for your chance to help reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, feel healthy and win great prizes!” adds Eason.
For more information visit: www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/commuterchallenge