February 9th 2015

Commuters and organisations across Derby are being invited to take part again in this year’s Commuter Challenge, which will take place in March.

Organised by Connected, the aim of the challenge is to get as many people as possible leaving the car at home, and instead choosing to walk, cycle, use public transport, motorbike/scooter or car share for their daily commute to work, and work related journeys, as well as avoiding travel by home working.

Last year around 500 staff from over 40 organisations in Derby participating.  Together they logged nearly 9000 journeys, saved 8 tonnes of CO₂, burned over one million calories, saved nearly £10,000 in petrol costs and travelled over 82,000 miles – equivalent to lapping the earth three times.

It’s free to take part and is a great way of encouraging staff, friends, and colleagues to walk, cycle, use a motorbike/scooter, use public transport, car-share to work or work from home where possible. This can have beneficial impacts on both individuals and organisations.   As well as improving staff health and morale, it contributes to corporate green objectives, can raise money for a good cause of your choice and provide excellent free publicity. Above all its fun!

The most dedicated participants will be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes for themselves, including restaurant and cinema vouchers, as well as free advertising and a donation to a chosen charity up for grabs for winning organisations.

People can register online at www.derbyconnected.com/commuterchallenge

Councillor Martin Rawson, Cabinet Member for Planning, Environment and Regeneration said “We want to encourage Derby commuters to reduce their number of car journeys and have fun competing against their colleagues and other companies. We received some great feedback from people who participated last year, who say it motivated them to get on their bikes or start walking to work and leave the car at home.  I hope that more people sign up to the challenge this year, and continue to travel sustainably, reducing congestion and pollution in the city”.

“Taking part in the Challenge is a great way to motivate yourself to get healthier and fitter, save a bit of money on commuting or reduce your environmental impact.  A 20 minute brisk walk to work a day has substantial health benefits, and at the same time you can help your workplace move up the Challenge leader board.  Anyone working in Derby or studying at the university or college can enter” said Lisa Hopkinson, Connected Travel Advisor.