Commuter challenge adapts to COVID-19Annual weeklong active transportation initiative mixes things up for participants

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/headliner/Commuter-challen...

Like almost everything else, this year’s commuter challenge looks a little different, owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Organized each year during the first week of June, the Green Action Centre’s commuter challenge aims to "encourage Manitobans to get outside and active by enjoying active and sustainable modes of travel" including cycling, walking, skateboarding and more.

Considering that children across the city are learning remotely, and many people are either working from home or restricting their travel to essential trips only as Manitobans battle a deadly third wave of the pandemic, the Green Action Centre wanted to shift the focus of the challenge this year.

In prior years, stations were set up at various points across central Winnipeg, with giveaways, free coffee and donuts, and other fun perks for those who commuted actively to the office. This year, a bingo sheet for the challenge was created online for participants to work their way through over the course of the week.

"This year, we are really just focusing on people getting out and having fun, with zoom fatigue and the current status of health restrictions we just want to encourage people to get outside for some fresh air and get active for their mental and physical health along with seeing the positive impact even small changes can make for the environment," said Kris Kuzbub, sustainable transportation co-ordinator for the Green Action Centre. "Every sustainable trip taken helps to cut air pollution, reduce traffic congestion, and lower harmful greenhouse gas emissions."

Squares on this year’s bingo card include suggestions like "visit your favourite park"; visit your local ice cream shop"; "search for local murals"; and "walk/bike your commute", among others.

"This year, the Challenge is recognizing all trips so the sheet is being used as prompts for people to get a better idea of the fun," Kuzbub said.

Participants are encouraged to fill out their cards and submit them online for chances to win prizes. While the challenge runs May 30 to June 5, organizers are always hopeful that active transportation will become more of a year round activity for participants.

Visit greenactioncentre.ca/commuterchallenge for more info.