Commuter Challenge Volunteers Wanted

Once again Edinburgh is to have a Commuter Challenge as part of European Mobility Week. For the past few years the destination has been Princes Street. 

For 2008 (Friday 19th September) it will be the newly opened, almost tranquil, St. Andrew Square gardens – complete with cafe.

Participants will set off from each of four departure points around Edinburgh (the Park and Ride site at Ingliston, Newcraighall Station, Ocean Terminal and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary) and travel by car, bus, train, motorcycle or bicycle.

Organiser Maggie Wynn of ChangingPace is looking for volunteers travelling either by their normal means of transport, or trying a different one for the day. “The challenge compares some typical commuter journeys into the centre of Edinburgh for speed, cost and impact on climate change.  We hope that the results will help people make their own minds up about how they want to travel to work.”

Departures will be timed so that the participants from each starting point will arrive at St Andrew’s Square around 8.15am.

It’s not a race – all participants will have to follow the highway code and other regulations, so car drivers will have to observe the speed limit and park legally, public transport users will have to buy a ticket, and cyclists will only be allowed to use roads and recognised cycle routes). Awards will be given for the earliest arrivals from each of the four departure points. Coffee and buns for registered participants!

If you want to join in the fun, e-mail Maggie Wynn (or ‘phone 07914 727 018)