Published by Communications and Public Affairs 519 824-4120, Ext. 56982 or 53338

Campus Bulletin

May 28, 2007

U of G Community Asked to Take Part in the Commuter Challenge

U of G students, staff and faculty are encouraged to find greener ways to get to campus as part of this year’s Commuter Challenge, a nationwide week-long event that runs during National Environment Week June 4 to 10.

“Walk, bike, jog, rollerblade, carpool or even telework,” said Gillian Maurice, U of G’s sustainability co-ordinator and organizer of the event. “It’s a chance to take a step on the green path and break away from motorized-vehicle dependency.”

Everyone who participates in the challenge is eligible for draw prizes, said Maurice, and the University is handing out additional prizes to those who track the most kilometres in each transportation category. The prizes included a reel push mower, two City of Guelph monthly transit passes and a bicycle carrier rack.

For those who choose to cycle to work, campus police will be conducting bicycle spot checks June 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. at the corner of McGilvray and Gordon streets and giving out coupons for the U of G Bookstore to cyclists who have all the proper safety equipment. Coupons for discounts on safety equipment will be handed out to those cyclists who need them. In addition, Paramount Skis and Sports will be on site to make small repairs and adjustments to bicycles free of charge.

At the city level, prizes will be awarded to the organization with the highest participation rate, the most number of sustainable kilometres travelled and the highest amount of reduced emissions, said Maurice. The city is also offering free bus rides on the Wednesday.

During last year’s event, the University community managed to prevent 3.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide pollution and save 14,106 kilometres of car travel, she said. U of G made up 81 per cent of the city’s total participation in the Commuter Challenge with 130 participants.

“This is the third year we have run the event, and participation numbers tripled from the first to the second year. It would be great if it continues to grow this year.”

To register

For more information visit www.pr.uoguelph.ca/sustain or contact Gillian Maurice at Ext. 58129 or sustain@pr.uoguelph.ca