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Join the 2024 Commuter Challenge by riding, rolling or walking to work!

May 28, 2024

Summer is right around the corner and there’s no better way to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather than by taking active transportation for a spin! The City of Kingston, Sustainable Kingston and community partners invite you to walk, run, roll or ride to work next week during the Commuter Challenge. 

Graphic showing characters using different means of active transportation. Text on graphic reads "Commuter Challenge June 2 - 8. Leave the car behind and walk, run, roll or ride instead!" Below are the logos for Commuter Challenge, Sustainable Kingston and City of Kingston.

The Commuter Challenge is an annual, national campaign designed to encourage individuals and organizations to rethink their commute and ‘test drive’ sustainable transportation for one week. The campaign runs from June 2 – 8, coinciding with Cycling Week which begins on May 31. 

“The Commuter Challenge is the perfect reason to try out active transportation! There are many alternative ways to get around the city, including traveling by foot, bike, or bus,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “Choosing to leave your car at home will reduce carbon emissions and have a positive impact on the environment, and it’s also a great opportunity to get outside and connect with your community.” 

How to participate 

  • Create an account and search for your workplace or sign up as an individual. 

  • Between June 2 and 8, leave your vehicle parked at home and walk, run, roll or ride to your destination.  Working from home counts, too! 

  • Sign in to your Commuter Challenge account and log your active kilometres throughout the week.   

  • Have fun! 

“Active transportation is a powerful form of climate action. Join your neighbours, friends and coworkers and discover a new way of getting around,” says Geoff Hendry, Chief Operating Officer of Sustainable Kingston. “We invite everyone to try out our Alternative Transportation Calculator, created by Sustainable Queen’s, to see exactly how much money, time and emissions you can save by leaving your car at home.”  

Cycle events taking place across the City: 

  • Bike Tune Up: Get your bike ready to go at 559 Bagot Street on Saturday June 1 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., courtesy of Gear Up! 

  • Roll-in breakfast: Pedal on over to a Roll-in Breakfast taking place across the City: 

  • Monday, June 3 at St. Lawrence College (7:30 – 9:30 a.m.) 

  • Tuesday, June 4 at Queen's University (7:30 – 9:30 a.m.) 

  • Thursday, June 6 at Kingston Frontenac Public Library Pittsburgh Branch (7:30 – 9 a.m.) 

  • Friday, June 7 at Springer Market Square (7:30 – 9:30 a.m.) 

The Commuter Challenge helps foster a healthier community by improving air quality, encouraging active and sustainable transportation and reducing community greenhouse gas emissions. For more information about the challenge, visit CommuterChallenge.ca.