Posted on June 2: McMaster community takes the challenge

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/pancakes_1.jpg” caption=”Pancake Breakfast”]More than 500 members of the McMaster community have pledged to participate in the 2004 Commuter Challenge. The annual event, taking place May 31 to June 5, is a friendly competition between local organizations and communities from coast-to-coast to determine which is doing the most to improve air quality and physical fitness through the transportation choices of its members and citizens.

“It's not too late to join in,” says Jennifer Dawson, Alternative Commuting & Transportation (ACT) co-ordinator. “Simply make a commitment to participate — try a different mode of transportation, continue with your usual air-friendly mode, or take a step in the right direction by using your vehicle more efficiently, such as properly inflating your car tires or filling up with premium gasoline.”

To fill out the on-line pledge card click here.

“If clean air and physical fitness aren't quite motivation enough, perhaps the thrill of competition and a fancy lunch will provide the necessary inspiration,” adds ACT co-ordinator Daryl Bender.

The McMaster department in each of three size categories (under 15, 15-40 and over 40) with the greatest participation rate will win lunch at the University Club for its Commuter Challenge participants. There are also Hamilton-wide prizes to be won including four first-class VIA Rail tickets for anywhere on the Windsor-Quebec Corridor; and two tickets to the Ti-Cats opening game.

McMaster kicked off the Challenge week with Monday's free pancake breakfast, where President Peter George and Ward One councillor Brian McHattie served up pancakes and encouragement for McMaster's Commuter Challenge participants.

Upcoming events include:

Walk 'n' Roll Parking Lot Party: Clean Air Day celebrations include free BBQ lunch, music, recognition of McMaster commuter heroes, Clean Air champion, Brandon Crichton, to speak about the effects of air quality on his training with the National Cycling Team and more.

Friday, June 4

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (rain date Friday, June 4). In the bottom section of Zone 2 parking lot (east of MUSC). The parking lot will remain open during this time.

Free bike repair: Free bicycle tune-ups all week courtesy of MACycle Co-op.

Tuesday, June 1:

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (under tent at Gilmour Hall)

5 to 7 p.m. (in MACycle Co-op, Wentworth House B113a)

Wednesday, June 2:

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (at parking lot party east of MUSC)

3 to 5 p.m. (in MACycle Co-op, Wentworth House B113a)

Thursday, June 3:

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (under tent at Gilmour Hall)

5 to 7 p.m. (in MACycle Co-op, Wentworth House B113a)

Friday, June 4:

11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (under tent at Gilmour Hall)

5 to 7 p.m. (in MACycle Co-op, Wentworth House B113a)

For more information about the Commuter Challenge at McMaster, check out the ACT Web site

Photo caption: At Monday's free pancake breakfast, Ward One councillor Brian McHattie, left and President Peter George served up pancakes and encouragement for McMaster's Commuter Challenge participants.