Queen's University has signed up as a participating employer in this year's national Commuter Challenge. Everyone in the Queen’s community is invited to participate in the week-long, friendly competition between Canadian cities.

From June 2 to 8, individuals at participating employers are challenged to enjoy the benefits of healthier, more sustainable commuting by making the decision to walk, cycle, take public transit, carpool or use some other form of active transportation for their daily commute.

Roger Healey, U15 Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Research and Planning, is spearheading Queen's participation in the Commuter Challenge. Since 2009, Mr. Healey has been an active member of the Kingston Coalition for Active Transportation (KCAT), the community group hosting Kingston's participation in the challenge.

"KCAT is hosting the Commuter Challenge in Kingston because it is a great way to promote healthy living and sustainable communities," says Mr. Healey. "With Queen’s signed up as a participating employer, staff, faculty and students are able to register themselves to take part in the challenge and support Queen's and Kingston's commitment to sustainability.”

Online registration for the Commuter Challenge is now open. Registered participants are asked to leave the car at home for at least one day during the challenge week. By registering now, participants will be able to log their daily commutes from June 2-8 and contribute to Queen's and Kingston's tally for reduced emissions and increased exercise.

“Even those who already use a form of sustainable commuting should still register for the commuter challenge,” adds Mr. Healey. “Everyone who participates will help demonstrate a commitment to building a sustainable, healthy community.”

At the end of the challenge week participants will be able to see how Queen’s and Kingston stack up against other Canadian cities in terms of CO2 avoided, litres of fuel saved, and calories burned.