Challenge Overview and FAQ

What is the Commuter Challenge?

The Challenge is a friendly competition between workplaces that encourages staff to think about, explore and celebrate alternative work commutes for the benefit of their health and wellness. In addition, the Challenge can support workplace sustainability and/or parking and transportation initiatives.

The Challenge engages staff monthly between the end of April and October. On any day during the last week of every month, staff are encouraged to log just ONE DAY's work commute which counts towards their workplace's rank on a live leaderboard. Participants are asked to specify both their "normal" commute and their Walk/Ride Day commute (see What is Walk/Ride Day below). By measuring the difference between these commutes, Green Streets can track changes towards healthier / greener commuting.

The Challenge is open to all commuters (drivers, carpoolers, T and commuter rail riders, cyclists, walkers etc.) and all Challenge workplaces are winners in their industry or size category.

How does the Commuter Challenge support sustainability and community wellness?

By giving staff permission to experiment with their commute, your workplace is showing that they care about the impact of employees' commutes on their health and well-being, and on our community's environment and traffic congestion.

Studies show that individuals who get moderate exercise before work, even a few times a week, are happier and healthier than those who don't. For example, a 2014 study of 18,000 British households shows that switching from car travel to active travel or public transportation improves psychological well-being. Drivers are 13% more likely to report that they are constantly under strain and unable to concentrate compared to active travelers*.

How does the Commuter Challenge contribute to Reducing Traffic Congestion?

In 2018, our Challenge influenced almost 40% of participating drivers to eliminate at least 1 car trip over the course of the 7 Challenge days. These behavior changes led to 750 fewer car trips compared to normal commuting patterns. By growing workplace participation and the number of workplaces, Green Streets hopes the Challenge can have an even larger impact on congestion in the future.

What is your role as Coordinator?

Coordinators carry out the Green Streets mission in the workplace. Your primary role is to encourage participation in the Challenge by as many staff and types of commuters as possible. Green Streets will provide monthly communications, raffle prizes and incentives, but it is your creative way of displaying and shaping our messages that will motivate your colleagues to log a commute and engage each other in conversation about this important topic. You know your office culture best and Green Streets relies on you to adapt the program to your unique workplace environment.

This guide includes ample resources and best practices from veteran coordinators for motivating and rewarding their colleagues' participation.

Coordinators carry out the Green Streets mission in the workplace. Your primary role is to encourage participation in the Challenge by as many staff and types of commuters as possible. Green Streets will provide monthly communications, raffle prizes and incentives, but it is your creative way of displaying and shaping our messages that will motivate your colleagues to log a commute and engage each other in conversation about this important topic. You know your office culture best and Green Streets relies on you to adapt the program to your unique workplace environment.

This guide includes ample resources and best practices from veteran coordinators for motivating and rewarding their colleagues' participation.