Why Join the Commute Challenge?
Nearly 70% of Oahu commuters currently choose to drive alone. This contributes to the island’s high greenhouse gas emissions, traffic, transportation costs, negative health impacts, and a lower quality of life. This challenge will teach commuters about other ways to get to work, give them a chance to flex their new ‘mobility muscles’, and will help us develop strategies to support more sustainable modes of transportation for all Honolulu commuters.
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Impacts
Changing your commute can have an affect on the environment, your health, the economy, your personal productivity, and overall social wellbeing. Check out some of the benefits below!
Environmental
- In Hawaii, ground transportation accounts for about 1/3 of the total petroleum use, which releases greenhouse gasses that contribute to climate change and air pollution. A culture of driving has also led residential and commercial developments to sprawl outwards, causing losses to agricultural lands and greenways. Shifting transportation choices toward more efficient and sustainable modes can reduce these negative impacts.
Health
- Walking and biking not only helps the environment but your overall health. Studies show that walking or biking reduces stress, provides you with a greater ability to concentrate, as well as giving you the opportunity to actually look up and see the beauty that's all around you.
Economic
- Cutting single-occupancy vehicles out of your commute will be better for your wallet too. Walking, biking, public transit, or carpooling can save you thousands of dollars each year on parking fees, gas, car maintenance, and more.
Personal productivity
- Researchers have found that your commute can be less stressful, even energizing and productive, if you choose to commute by a more efficient mode like carpool or bus. Because you don’t have to drive, you can read a newspaper or book, call a loved one, or simply catch up on emails to get a head start on the day.
Social
- Biking to work can expose you to local businesses you’ve never seen before. Carpooling can introduce you to coworkers you’ve never met before. Switching up your commute can improve your relationship with your community.
Challenge Timeline
The 2020 Oahu Commute Challenge will take place throughout January with the final prizes distributed and surveys taken the beginning of March. To learn about participant expectations and for a full challenge breakdown please download the PDF below.