It’s beginning to feel like summer. Sure, there are still some clouds but it is warmer, evenings are longer, gardens are blooming, the farmers markets are in full swing, and people are outside walking, running and getting on their bikes!

More than 500 people and 53 teams are greening and cleaning their commutes. It’s week 2 of the Commuter Challenge; whether you are involved of not, you may notice that people are looking a little fitter, stronger and wealthier as a result of leaving their cars at home!

Great response

We have some wonderful stories on how people are participating, the impact the Challenge has had across the health authorities, as well as new information and inspiration to support biking, walking and taking transit to work.

Shout-outs

Throughout the Challenge, we have asked our Clean Commuters for stories from the bike-path / transit system or ride shares. Log-on to the BCGreenCare.ca for the full list of Shout-Outs, and check-out this sampling below:

Shout-out to Debbie Miki at Fraser Health – new to cycle commuting, inspired by her sister and ready to give cycle commuting a try, she is using the 3-week challenge to improve her health; adding to her running and swimming routine, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Shout-Out to Melanie Hyde of VCH, who is a Green+Leader who rides all year round and has lots of tips to share about riding in the rain! She is on the advisory committee to VCH’s new state of the art Cycling Centre!

Graeme Duncan is a Physician with PHSA and Clinical Professor in Radiation Oncology, UBC. He has been an active member of the GreenCare Community for a number of years and is using this year’s Clean Commuter Challenge to switch his transit route for cycle commuting!

Recognizing our Avoiders & Reducers!

The Commuter Challenge has been designed to recognize all those people that already practice sustainable commuting – we call these people “Avoiders”. As well as those that change their behaviour over the 3-week Challenge – we call these people “Reducers”.

GreenCare

Please visit the GreenCare Community site to read the stories of those participating in the Clean Commuter Challenge. As well, there is lots of information on how you can Clean your Commute. We are offering bike maintenance workshops and bike repairs onsite, as well as information on car sharing, ride-share and transit. We hope we can support you in a cleaner / greener commute.