Commuter Challenge

Sunday, June 1st marks the beginning of the third annual Commuter Challenge, a week-long event that takes place during Canadian Environment Week (June 1-7).  Hosted by KFL&A Public Health and the Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation (KCAT), the purpose of the challenge is to get people out of their cars and to actively find their way to their daily destinations.  The challenge not only gets us moving but also raises awareness of fuel costs and our personal contributions to emissions in the air.

Participants are encouraged to walk, cycle, take public transit, telecommute, carpool or use other forms of active transportation during the week, and to record their progress on the Commuter Challenge website which then tracks participants’ impact on emission reductions and fuel cost savings.  At the end of the week, results will compare workplaces and cities against each other in a fun competition to see who has been the most efficient.  While all Kingston residents are invited to participate, employers are specifically being asked to get on board and register their workplace in the challenge.  Last year, Kingston came in first place for a city its size.  Let’s see if we can hold onto our title!

Winners will not only get bragging rights, but KFL&A and KCAT will also be giving away two bikes, one to a workplace and one to an individual.  You can visit the KCAT website to find more information on how to be eligible to win.

Daily events will also run throughout the week:

June 1st, 10am-2pm: 2nd Annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day
June 1st, 11am-3pm: Kingston Bicycle Festival (K-Rock Centre)
June 1st: Cycling Week Event – Kingston BMX National Finals at Woodbine Park (180 Woodbine Rd.)
June 2nd, 8am: Join Mayor Mark Gerretsen, and participating council members for a breakfast at Market Square.
June 3rd, 7:30am-9:30am: Cycling Week Event – Queen’s Roll-in-Breakfast (Union and University)
June 4t, 7:30am-9:30am: Cycling Week Event – Kingston Velo Club’s Roll-in-Breakfast (Princess and Clergy)
June 6th, 7:30am-9:30am: Cycling Week Event – Cycle Kingston’s Roll-in-Breakfast (Market Square)
June 19th, 5:30pm-7pm: Commuter Challenge Awards Ceremony and Prize Giveaway at KFL&A Public Health.

So, get out there and get active, Kingston!  Registration is open now!

Thanks to John Luton for today’s pic.