Well, some of them did. And some rode horses. Others ran or walked or roller-bladed. And then there were those who concocted and competed in a pentathlon, and some who paddled to work in a beautiful carved canoe.

It was this year’s Canadian Commuter Challenge. Across Canada, people challenged each other—and themselves—to travel green or eco-commute to work.

Some centres ran their challenge for the entire week of June 5-9, while others limited the event to one Clean Air Day, the Wednesday of Environment Week.

In Greater Victoria, in the annual Bike-to-Work Week event, the forests ministry fielded 11 cycling teams—a total of 184 riders, competing in a field of 150 teams across the community. That’s up 50 per cent from the 100 teams who participated last year.

The Forest Service had by far the largest presence in the Victoria event, perhaps spurred on by Deputy Minister Lee Doney’s offer of a free beer for anyone who biked to work all five days that week.

The folks in the Forest Enterprises Branch apparently like beer. And cycling. Riding under the name "the Tree Peddlers," they recorded a participation rate of 56.5 per cent—the highest of all the HQ branches.

The Research and Tree Improvement branches, teaming up together under the name "the Tree Stooges," won a Cora bicycle rack.

Some of the keen Forest Service Victoria cyclists who competed in Bike-to-Work Week for the free beer offered by Deputy Minister Lee Doney, (back row, centre-right, tall, grey hair, white shirt) The offer was one beer for riding to work every day that week.

Perhaps the cyclists had other motivation as well, such as having fun, getting some exercise, aiding the environment, and commuting free of charge.

People in ministry offices across the province took the broader challenge with an array of commuting methods. While many people cycled—Tony Nordee, for example, rode from Kamloops to Merritt office—a journey of 84 km—others chose alternative means of transport. Ed Abels, senior enforcement specialist in the Merritt district, came in on roller blades.

Environment Canada issued its annual challenge last spring to communities, organizations and individuals across the country:
"Plan something different for Canadian Environment Week and Clean Air Day in Canada. Leave your car at home and take part in the Canadian Commuter Challenge. Pedal, paddle, pool or perambulate. Telework, take the train, or board the bus...enjoy the benefits of eco-commuting!

"The Canadian Commuter Challenge is a spirited competition between employers, schools, towns, cities and regions of Canada for the distinction of having the highest percentage of commuters who leave their cars at home. These commuters use more ecologically sustainable methods of accessing their workplace or school such as teleworking, cycling, walking, in-line skating, ridesharing and public transit. Some even canoe, kayak or ride a horse."

Across B.C., ministry of forests people took up the gauntlet. In the Fort St. James District, more than 67 per cent of forest service staff participated—41 people racking up a total of almost 600 km. That included a 22-km run by Darrin Halloran and Jim Burck. The main focus this year was on office morale and on that front, the event was "a huge success," Jim said.

In the Vernon District, two people rode horses to work, clocking 20 km between them. Other long-distance cyclists included Jerome Jang of the Penticton District who rode 80 km and George Edney of the Arrow District, 84 km.

Folks a the Invermere Forest District showed the most enthusiasm, with 93 per cent participation.

You can read about the commuting accomplishments of Forest Service staff in district offices across the province at http://wwwinternal.for.gov.bc.ca/nelson/district/invermer/health/
stories_around_province.htm

And, just a reminder: It's not necessary to limit the cycling-walking-running-riding-blading-and-paddling to Environment Week. No, really. Turning commuting into a fun activity can be a year-round concept.

FS News would love to hear about ministry people who commute regularly in some alternative mode.

Top Ten reasons to ride your bike