Who will win?

(Date of issue: Friday, 12 June 2009)

As part of Green Transport Week and 13 – 20 June and Bike Week 13 – 21 June, staff at Carlisle City Council are preparing to take part in the ultimate commuting test...leg power v four wheels.

The event will happen on Thursday 18 June, starting at 9.54am, at the Tesco store, Rosehill, Carlisle. City Cllr Ray Bloxham, portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure, will place five staff under starter’s orders to see who can get back to the Civic Centre first, where they will be greeted by the Mayor of Carlisle Cllr William Graham.

The staff led by Jason Gooding, Deputy Chief Executive and Gordon Nicolson, Head off Facilities, will run, cycle, walk, take the bus and drive to see who will make it back to the Civic Centre steps in the quickest time.

The challenge is part of a green travel awareness raising campaign, which has seen all work related mileage claims cut by nearly 100,000 miles between 2005/06 and 2008/09 the equivalent to four trips round the world and a reduction in Co2 emissions of 34 tonnes.

These figures show evidence of the City Council’s continued commitment to the Nottingham Declaration, which it signed in 2007. The declaration is a voluntary agreement for local authorities that want to tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions through energy conservation, greater use of renewable energy and sustainable transport.

Quote:

Cllr Ray Bloxham, portfolio holder for Environment and Infrastructure said:

“The commuter challenge is aimed at demonstrating to employees that there are other alternatives to car travel and also highlights the benefits of choosing a healthier option. Cutting carbon emissions is crucial in tackling the challenge of climate change and should be a key priority for local authorities. Carlisle City Council wants to demonstrate leadership in the area of climate change action, and get our house in order by reducing our carbon dioxide emissions as efficiently and effectively as possible.’’