Calgary Public Library staff will join the rest of Calgary and other cities in North America again in the annual Commuter Challenge June 5-11, 2011. This week-long initiative encourages us to improve the environment and ourselves by getting to work by any means other than single-person car commuting.
A simple login to www.commuterchallenge.ca will allow you to track your kms by mode of transport or energy saved, either as an individual or as part of a group. Try transit for a week, or cycle to work. Maybe you can carpool. Can you telecommute by working at home? Read or catch up on social media while you ride transit, and get fit while walking or cycling (dust off those New Year's resolutions). Take on other companies and workplaces in your category by encouraging your co-workers to participate.
On a related note, Castell Central Library is offering noon-hour programs on bicycle maintenance and electric bikes from 12:10-12:50 in May and June. See our programs link on the main page to register.
In the meantime, read Urban Camping by Peter Tombrowski for a Calgarian's take on getting around town with kids and no vehicle. Try It's all about the Bike: The Pursuit of Happiness on Two Wheels by Rob Penn, Cycling for Everyone by Leah Garcia, or some of our cycling magazines. Telecommuters, check out Will work from Home by Troy Johnson.
It's only one week, so get out there people!