Second annual Campus Commuter Challenge kicks off Oct. 1

Second annual Campus Commuter Challenge kicks off Oct. 1September 16, 2008Rachel Mayenspire@syr.edu

The second annual Campus Commuter Challenge kicks off this fall and encourages Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry faculty, staff and off-campus students to participate in a friendly competition to promote cleaner modes of commuting to campus.

By walking, biking, carpooling or riding the bus to campus weekdays in October, employees and off-campus students can earn points and compete to win weekly prizes. Grand prizes will go to an employee and a student who score the most points during the month.

The University Sustainability Action Coalition (USAC) has organized the challenge to promote alternatives to driving alone to the Hill. These alternatives save drivers money on gas, promote cleaner air, reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming, relieve some of the parking pressures on the SU and SUNY-ESF campuses, and lead to healthier lifestyles for individuals and our community.

Last year’s challenge, which was open only to employees, attracted 576 participants, including 83 who had never tried an alternative to driving before. Forty percent of employees in the School of Education took part, winning their team a grand prize.

This year, new commuting options make it easier for people to get to the Hill without a car. SU employees are eligible for Centro’s Fare Deal program, which allows them to purchase bus passes at work and to use the Guaranteed Ride Home option in case of emergencies. And the One-Seat Rides Program offers Centro routes to campus without having to transfer to another bus. Information on these programs, as well as carpool assistance, bus routes and park-and-ride options, is available on the SU Parking and Transit Services website (http://parking.syr.edu). In addition, more bike lanes are in place in the University neighborhood and more bike racks available at SU and SUNY-ESF.

For this year’s Campus Commuter Challenge, USAC has instituted several changes, including expanding the challenge to off-campus students and adding weekly prize drawings. Replacing last year’s team structure, competitors will participate as individuals this year. Additionally, participants will get credit for each time they leave the car at home, rather than participating just once.

The Campus Commuter Challenge is sponsored by SU’s Office of Academic Affairs. Registration information and updates will be available on the Campus Commuter Challenge website at http://enspire.syr.edu/CCC. Or for more information, contact Rachel May at 443-9726.