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Car-free Commuter Challenge Final Results

CAR-FREE COMMUTER CHALLENGE FINAL RESULTS - JUNE 14, 1998

During Environment Week, June 1-5, over 14,500 people in Ottawa/Hull,
London, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria used green transportation to
commute to work or school. They walked, biked, bused, rollerbladed,
telecommuted or car-pooled - instead of driving a car. They were taking
part in an environment-friendly competition to see which community could
reduce air pollution the most by using green transportation.

This year's winner is Calgary, with 6969 people participating (0.82%
participation rate), followed by Victoria (1138 participants, 0.36%
participation), Ottawa/Hull (2295 participants, 0.22% participation),
Vancouver (3740 participants, 0.20% participation), and London, Ontario
(444 participants, 0.11% participation).

In Ottawa/Hull, 2295 green commuters participated in the Car-free Commuter
Challenge, which included challenges between different workplaces and
schools across the region. The school challenge was won by Gloucester High
School (60% participation). The workplace challenge winners were awarded
based on percentage participation, as well as reduction in pollution per
person:

(Organizations with population 1-9:) 
McOrmond Consulting (100% participation), 
Dave's Recycled Cycles (15.3 kg/person)

(Organizations with population 10-50:)
Apoptogen/CHEO Research Institute (76% participation)
Agriculture Canada/Environment Bureau/Sir John Carling Building 
(8.9 kg/person)

(Organizations with population 51-499:)
Cancer Research Group/Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre (50% participation, 
4 kg/person)

(Organizations with population greater than or equal to 500:)
Auditor General of Canada (26% participation)
Mitel (3.9 kg/person)

Total reductions in air pollution were estimated using Environment
Canada's MOBILE 5C model. By using green transportation, the 2295
participants in Ottawa/Hull's Car-free Commuter Challenge reduced air
pollution by about 50 tonnes of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other
pollutants. By participating in the Challenge, they helped to reduce
emissions of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change, and they
reduced smog and acid rain. 

They also demonstrated that environment-friendly transportation such as
cycling and walking is a viable alternative to cars for people of all ages
and backgrounds. Participants included high school and university
students, government workers and retirees, and even a Buddhist monk who
said he was cycling to Toronto. 

The Car-free Commuter Challenge was organized by volunteers from Auto-Free 
Ottawa, Conservation Co-operative Homes, OPIRG-Carleton, the FLORA
Community WEB, and workers and students at workplaces across the region.
Printing of pamphlets for distribution on buses was generously provided by
OC Transpo. The organizers wish to thank all participants and volunteers. 

For more information about the Car-free Commuter Challenge, contact:
237-1549, <challenge@flora.org> or <http://www.flora.org/commuter/challenge>.

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Ditch your car! Don't pollute when you commute!
June 1-5: Car-free Commuter Challenge <http://www.flora.org/commuter/challenge>
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