Banff is leading the way as a model environmental community with 70 per cent of Banff residents commuting by means other than their personal vehicle according to the 2017 census.
This summer participants in the 2018 Banff Commuter Challenge traveled by green mode a cumulative 174,428 km and avoided putting 28 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
In total there was 399 participants from 14 organizations competing over 12 weeks. The goal was for the participants to register the most days of commuting without using their personal vehicles; this could be done by walking, cycling, carpooling, by taking the bus or any other method than by taking their personal vehicle.
Banff Mayor Karen Sorensen congratulated and awarded participants at Banff Town Hall on October 24.
“You help us be an environmental role model for communities around the world. You exemplify the values of Banff – a safe and caring community, stewardship of our natural environment, and inspiration to our neighbours and colleagues, residents and visitors,” said Mayor Sorensen.
The Rusty Handlebar Trophies were awarded to the organizations who had the greatest participation rates, in three size categories.
In the Sulphur Mountain Category, for employers with between 1 and 50 employees, Banff and Lake Louise Tourism took first place with an 85 per cent participation rate, with 39 out of 43 registered participants logging 1,190 days of green commutes.
In the Cascade Mountain Category, for employers with 51 to 300 employees, the Town of Banff took first place with a total of 1,995 days of green commutes clocked.
In the Rundle Mountain category, for employers with 301 and more employees, first place was awarded to Parks Canada for a total of 1,498 green commuters days.
Super-dedicated participant prizes were also handed out, and the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel received free ice time at the Fenlands Recreation Centre for having 76 per cent of their employees in the super dedicated category.
Ruth Millican with Banff Lake Louise Tourism, who cycled from Canmore to work with fellow employees during the summer said it was more enjoyable than taking the car.
“There’s less hassle parking and you save money. I kept nagging my co-workers to join me and we did it,” said Millican.
Greg Danchuk with Parks Canada added it was a great way to stay fit and healthy, while reducing air pollution and traffic congestion.