Manitobans are being challenged to try busing, biking, walking, paddling or carpooling during Commuter Challenge Week in Manitoba. The Commuter Challenge runs from May 31to June 6.
“The basic premise of the Commuter Challenge is to encourage healthier, cleaner commuting practices and reduce the reliance on vehicles for trips to and from the workplace and school,” said Rondeau. “I’m very pleased that in 2008, Winnipeg placed first in its population category for participating in the national Commuter Challenge event.”
The minister said today’s early announcement for the 2009 Commuter Challenge gives Resource Conservation Manitoba (RCM) and its planning partners a running start in preparing Manitoba businesses and schools for a friendly competition to promote clean air commuting.
“Commuter Challenge is one of the largest active transportation events in Manitoba. Resource Conservation Manitoba is very excited to be co-ordinating the challenge for the 10th year in a row,” said Becky Elko of Resource Conservation Manitoba. “It is wonderful to be able to help others see the green options out there for commuting to and from work.”
During the event, participating individuals will record their modes of transportation for the week. Each person who participates will be counted as a green commuter. At the end of the week, the city, town or workplace with the highest average percentage of healthier commuters will be declared the most commuter friendly.
“The challenge gets people thinking about their everyday travel choices and gets the message across to people who normally don’t choose to use sustainable modes of transportation,” Rondeau said. “Climate-friendly transportation is great for health and fitness, terrific for the environment and kind to a person’s wallet.”
Last year, the government released Manitoba’s action on climate change document, entitled Beyond Kyoto. The report provided all the steps Manitobans can take to help the province achieve its goal of meeting Kyoto commitments by 2012. The report covers all sectors and focuses on expanding renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions from Manitoba’s transport and agriculture sectors.
