[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/commuters05.jpg” caption=”A fine selection of McMaster’s 2005 Commuter Heroes.”]They're fit. They're friendly. And they'e doing their share for clean air. They're our Commuter Heroes.

Kerry Robinson, very pregnant-in-pink in the accompanying photo, cycled to work into her third trimester. Christopher Anand, an avid cycle commuter, gave up spokes for skis after a winter 2005 snowstorm. Michele Corbeil handed in her parking permit to walk during Commuter Challenge 2004 and has been walking to work ever since. David Hitchcock, often spotted riding his bike, turns off his car engine at stoplights. Bob Henderson, who usually cycles, has been known to canoe to campus. Joanne Franco – nominated two years in a row – took the HSR to work one day accompanied by Hamilton's Director of Transit to show him the overcrowding on city buses.

You most likely know an employee or student at McMaster who deserves to be recognized as a Commuter Hero, and the ACT Office (Alternative Commuting & Transportation) will be accepting nominations for 2006 Heroes from April 24 to May 12. Nominees will be recognized at one of the Commuter Challenge 2006 events with a personalized plaque.

To nominate a Hero, simply send ACT an email (ACT@mcmaster.ca) stating the nominee's name, contact information, and a brief description of why your Hero deserves to be recognized. ACT will confirm that your nominee accepts the nomination.

The Commuter Challenge will be held from June 4 to 10 this year.