Pedal to Success: How the ABC Challenge Inspired 634 Students to Ditch Cars and Reduce 753,000 kg of Carbon Emissions
Youth en Route was thrilled with the participation in the ABC—Anything But Cars—Challenge. The ABC Challenge pitted schools against one another in a friendly competition meant to encourage kids to use any method of transport that does not involve cars to get to school. The Challenge impacts schools by promoting alternative, environmentally friendly, and social methods of transport to students.
Youth en Route would like to thank our twenty young leaders on the Youth Advisory Council who planned and organized our first ever ABC event. Through the Youth Advisory Council’s efforts, the event was a success and had a total of 634 participants across 11 schools. Secondly, we would like to thank B&P Cycle and Sports, Ridley’s Cycle, and BikeBike, who provided some of the fantastic rewards to our ABC Challenge winners. We would also like to thank all participants who took on this year’s ABC Challenge. While using anything but cars to travel, you made a positive difference, and reduced over 753,000 kg of carbon emissions and travelled a total of 630,090 km.
Future ABC Challenge
The ABC Challenge is a new event for Youth en Route. We’d love to make it a recurring event that takes place in the fall and spring.
“The ABC Challenge is a key way we can build community through bikes. We know that kids will never make new friends sitting in the back of a parent’s car. There are opportunities for kids to connect” Says Laura Shutiak, Executive Director of Youth en Route.
This event was supported by a $10,000 Neighbours Grant from the Calgary Foundation. Most of the funding went to schools to help their student leaders organize and get others to consider cycling.
“We’re so excited to have ABC challenge and get our students thinking about how they get around. We’re hoping to get administration to support a bike club, where we can work on bikes and go for rides. Funds that didn’t get used on snacks, will go to support tools and supplies for the club” says Gael Dumelie.
A number of schools used the funds to purchase bike lock libraries to help reduce the risk of theft for students and save them the cost and weight in backpacks of a U-Lock.
Now, without further ado, Youth en Route is happy to give its congratulations to the well-deserved winners of the ABC Challenge.
ABC Challenge winners
- 1st prize: New Norco Bike from B&P cycles – Jaden from St. Mary’s High School
- 2nd prize: Canada Raleigh City bike from Canadian Tire MacLeod Trail – Amanda D. from Western Canada High School
- 3rd prize: Ridley’s gift card – Lynton G. from John Dienfenbaker High School
- 4th prize: Ridley’s saddle bags – Samial A. from Father Lacomber High School
- 5th prize: Ridley’s Bike Lights – Rana L. from North Trail High School
- 6th prize: Cannondale Helmet – Parker M. from Jack James High School
- 7th prize: Shift Happens tool kit – Vinay S. from Lester B. Pearson High School
Overall, the ABC challenge resulted in a stronger biking community and encouraged youth to use more sustainable methods of travel. The ABC Challenge would not have been what it was without the support received from the challenge participants, Youth Advisory Council, the Calgary Foundation, B&P Cycle and Sports, Ridley’s Cycle, and BikeBike. Youth en Route extends another round of thanks to everyone, and congratulations to the ABC Challenge winners! Youth en Route is looking forward to future events.
