Commuter Challenge 2010 helped Northeast Ohio save 23,856 miles of driving!

From July 17-31, commuters were asked to try alternate transportation, including biking, walking, transit, carpooling or telecommuting. Participants won baseball tickets, Mr. Hero sandwich gift certificates, and other prizes.

Corporate participants included the Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, University Circle Inc., the City of Cleveland, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the Cleveland Clinic, CH2M Hill, Key Bank, the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, ALCOA, the Cleveland MetroParks, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, ParkWorks, and others from the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

Together, these participants kept 22,732 lbs of air pollution from entering the air! “That was very important during such a hot summer,” said Amy Wainright, Environmental Planner at NOACA.

Feedback included survey comments such as “Both my husband and I bike as much as possible.” “Thanks for promoting cycling and walking.” “Wish there were more public transportation options.” “I like riding the bus; it saves me so much money.” “I use Cleveland RTA and wish they hadn’t cut service.” “I love Laketran.”

Commuter Challenge is an initiative of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s (NOACA) Air Quality Programs in coordination with Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and Laketran. It runs during the last two weeks of July each year.

For more information, call NOACA at 216-241-2414 and ask for the Air Quality staff.