Gators compete with each other to see who can reduce car use

October 9, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — With a week to go before One Less Car Day, University of Florida faculty, staff and students are already reducing pollution by using alternative transportation to and from campus.

Seventy-five departmental teams are already tracking their collective commitment online. So far, more than 14,000 trips have been avoided, keeping 69 tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. Team captains are vying for honors including “most participation” and “most active team.” Prizes available to captains include UF basketball tickets and a gift certificate to Dragonfly Sushi & Saki Company.

More than 1,500 faculty, staff, and students have pledged to commute by an alternative to single-occupancy vehicle travel on One Less Car Day, which is Oct. 17, and as often as possible throughout the fall semester.

“I’m excited to see how many Gators have made the commitment to try to use alternative transportation,” said Anna Prizzia, outreach coordinator for the UF Office of Sustainability.

In addition to receiving a One Less Car T-shirt to wear on Oct. 17 and a button indicating the mode of transportation they have pledged to take, individuals are competing for top participation honors and prizes including a $300 commuter bike package, courtesy of Mr. Goodbike, and a digital camera.

Registration for the One Less Car Challenge is ongoing. Final team prizes will be awarded for overall participation through Dec. 15. Members of the UF community can find out more information, sign up for the challenge, and join a UF department or organization’s team online at: www.sustainable.ufl.edu/onelesscar.

The two-day One Less Car celebration will begin with an alternative transportation fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 16 on the Reitz Student Union North Lawn. At the fair, a number of organizations that support alternative transportation will offer information, services and hands-on demonstrations. Local bicycle shops will offer advice and demonstrations for novice and experienced cyclists. Gainesville’s Regional Transit System staff will offer opportunities for participants to become familiar with routes, services and the new Gator Locator GPS tracking system. Those interested in learning more about carpooling opportunities will be able to see live demonstrations of the GreenRide ride matching service. Zipcar, the car-sharing program on campus, will be on display.

In an ongoing effort to increase accessibility and safety for alternative transportation commuters, staff from Alachua County and the City of Gainesville will be onsite to discuss transportation planning and infrastructure.

On Oct. 17, the One Less Car Day festivities will include a free burrito for anyone wearing a One Less Car T-shirt, courtesy of Chipotle Mexican Grill; a visit by a surprise campus celebrity; a drawing with great prizes; and the annual car vs. bicycle race, featuring campus and community leaders.