McMaster gears up for Commuter Challenge

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/cyclingfamily.jpg” caption=”The Commuter Challenge promotes biking, bussing and walking as greener alternatives to driving. Photo by Susan Bubak.”]The McMaster community is being encouraged to use greener modes of transportation next week as part of the Commuter Challenge from June 2 to 6.

“The purpose of the event is to reduce the amount of single occupancy vehicles on campus by promoting walking, bussing, biking and carpooling,” said Kate Whelan of the All-modes Commuting and Transportation (ACT) Office.

Besides reducing dependence on cars, the Commuter Challenge aims to promote cleaner air, physical activity and social interaction.

McMaster has been participating in the Commuter Challenge since 2002. The nationwide event encourages Canadians to choose more environmentally-friendly methods of getting to work.

Once again this year, the ACT Office will award prizes to departments with the highest participation rate. The winning department will receive a plaque. Individual participants will be entered in a draw to win various prizes, including a Pulse membership, gift cards and HSR bus tickets. The grand prize is a pair of business-class VIA Rail tickets.

Last year, 743 people participated in the Commuter Challenge at McMaster. The department winners included Arts and Science (75 per cent participation), Grounds Staff (89 per cent participation) and the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (63 per cent participation).

The week kicks off with an event called Pancakes with the President on the morning of Friday, May 30 in the MUSC Marketplace. President Peter George will be serving pancakes along with Karen Belaire, vice-president administration, and Azim Kasmani, MSU president.

Also on Friday is a transportation fair featuring vendors such as HSR, GO Transit and MACycle. Security Services will be available to engrave bicycles. Throughout the week, the ACT Office will have a booth outside Gilmour Hall, where MACycle will offer free bike repairs.

“The benefits of chosing alternative modes of transportation far outweigh the inconveniences,” said Whelan. “The only way to find out is to try.”

To register, pick up a pledge card and bracelet at COMPASS.

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[img_inline align="right" src="http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/cyclingfamily.jpg" caption="The Commuter Challenge promotes biking, bussing and walking as greener alternatives to driving. Photo by Susan Bubak."]The McMaster community is being encouraged to use greener modes of transportation next week as part of the Commuter Challenge from June 2 to 6.<br />
<br />
<P>"The purpose of the event is to reduce the amount of single occupancy vehicles on campus by promoting walking, bussing, biking and carpooling," said Kate Whelan of the All-modes Commuting and Transportation (ACT) Office.<br />
<br />
<P>Besides reducing dependence on cars, the Commuter Challenge aims to promote cleaner air, physical activity and social interaction.<br />
<br />
<p>McMaster has been participating in the Commuter Challenge since 2002. The nationwide event encourages Canadians to choose more environmentally-friendly methods of getting to work. <br />
<br />
<p>Once again this year, the ACT Office will award prizes to departments with the highest participation rate. The winning department will receive a plaque. Individual participants will be entered in a draw to win various prizes, including a Pulse membership, gift cards and HSR bus tickets. The grand prize is a pair of business-class VIA Rail tickets.<br />
<br />
<p>Last year, 743 people participated in the Commuter Challenge at McMaster. The department winners included Arts and Science (75 per cent participation), Grounds Staff (89 per cent participation) and the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour (63 per cent participation). <br />
<br />
<p>The week kicks off with an event called Pancakes with the President on the morning of Friday, May 30 in the MUSC Marketplace. President Peter George will be serving pancakes along with Karen Belaire, vice-president administration, and Azim Kasmani, MSU president. <br />
<br />
<p>Also on Friday is a transportation fair featuring vendors such as HSR, GO Transit and MACycle. Security Services will be available to engrave bicycles. Throughout the week, the ACT Office will have a booth outside Gilmour Hall, where MACycle will offer free bike repairs. <br />
<br />
<p>"The benefits of chosing alternative modes of transportation far outweigh the inconveniences," said Whelan. "The only way to find out is to try." <br />
<br />
<P>To register, pick up a pledge card and bracelet at COMPASS.

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