Campus Commuter Challenge begins Wednesday; prizes announced

Campus Commuter Challenge begins Wednesday; prizes announcedSeptember 29, 2008Rachel Mayenspire@syr.edu

In preparation for the Campus Commuter Challenge, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1, and running through the month of October, a “Tools and Tips” section has been added to the Campus Commuter Challenger website (http://enspire.syr.edu/CCC/tools.htm) to assist commuters in finding the best and most convenient options to leave their car at home. Bicyclists, for example, can download a map showing the best routes in and around Syracuse. Bus riders can find information about discount fares and new park-and-ride options, and carpoolers can learn about ride-sharing possibilities and the benefits of shared parking permits.

The second annual Campus Commuter Challenge 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. By leaving the car at home, participants can save on gas, reduce their contribution to global warming, get exercise, and see the city in a new way.

Each week, gift certificates and prizes worth up to $55 will go to a cyclist, a carpooler, a walker and a bus rider who record their participation at http://usac.syr.edu. Local businesses that have donated prizes and gift certificates are: Green Homes America, Eureka Crafts, Sugar Pearl Espresso Bar, The One 20 Salon and Grindstone Organic Farm. At the end of October, grand prizes will go to the student and employee with the highest point totals for the month. The winners can choose from numerous prize options that promote car-free lifestyles, such as train tickets for two to New York City, an iPod with a Nikeplus kit for joggers and runners, a Centro bus pass for one year, monthly delivery of organic food (through the growing season) from a community-supported agriculture group, or a gift certificate for bicycle equipment.

The Campus Commuter Challenge is open to all employees and off-campus students at SUNY-ESF and SU. It is organized by the University Sustainability Action Coalition (USAC) and sponsored by the SU Office of Academic Affairs and the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA). Visit http://usac.syr.edu and click on the Campus Commuter Challenge logo for more information.