UF wants everyone to use alternative transportation on Oct. 17

August 21, 2008

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida is challenging students, faculty and staff to give up their cars and use alternative transportation on Oct. 17 with the hope it becomes a habit.

“The One Less Car Challenge is part of a larger campaign to help support the UF community in tough economic times, and to emphasize UF’s commitment to a more sustainable campus,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, UF senior vice president.

In meeting the challenge, faculty, staff, and students will pledge to commute by an alternative to single-occupancy vehicle travel on One Less Car Day and as often as possible throughout the fall semester. Departmental teams will be able to track their collective commitment online. Individual participants will receive a One Less Car T-shirt to wear on Oct. 17 and a button indicating the mode of transportation they have pledged to take, which can be worn throughout the year.

Registration for the One Less Car Challenge begins Aug. 25 and closes Sept. 17. 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 on Oct. 16. At the fair, a number of organizations that support alternative transportation will offer information, services and hands-on demonstrations.

Kickstand, a Gainesville nonprofit, will work with local bicycle shops and Student Government’s bicycle repair staff to 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 free food, campus celebrities, a drawing with great prizes, and the annual car vs. bicycle race.