Green week puts transportation first

The week’s activities are designed to give participants hands-on experience with transportation options that many may not have previously considered. Scheduled events include a group bike ride to the Prince George Farmers Market, an EV-powered outdoor movie night in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park and a city-wide bus scavenger hunt that encourages participants to explore local businesses using public transit.

Green Week Event Coordinator Kyle Ross says one of the primary goals is to help students become more comfortable using transportation methods other than personal vehicles.

“So one of the things that we were hoping to do is, really bring exposure to, these alternative modes of transportation for students because, I’ve heard personally many stories from first year students that are too, worried about bringing their bike or too worried about depending on transit. So we wanted to provide, nice and easy space for students, to be able to experience some of those things in and around Prince George.” said Ross.

Ross says Green Week is intended to show that alternative transportation options already exist throughout the city and can be realistic choices for many residents. The timing of the event alongside Fall GoByBike Week also gives participants a chance to take part in provincial cycling initiatives while learning more about transportation networks in Prince George.

The bus scavenger hunt is one example of how organizers are trying to make alternative transportation both practical and engaging. The challenge partners students with local businesses across the city and encourages participants to navigate Prince George using public transit.

“So we’ve got a variety of local businesses, partnering with us. And those local businesses, are offering a special discount or gift for UNBC students that show their student ID and say that they’re there for the scavenger hunt. So that can sort of get students more into the groove of how, alternative modes of transportation work in Prince George.” said Ross.

Beyond transportation-focused activities, Green Week also includes educational opportunities connected to sustainability and emerging technologies. The UNBC Energy Transition Group is providing students with chances to learn more about renewable energy and electrification, including electric vehicles, e-bikes and e-scooters.

Organizers have also partnered with university departments, community groups and local businesses to help expose participants to resources and opportunities throughout Prince George.

While much of the week’s programming is aimed at students, organizers say community members are also encouraged to participate. The hope is that the event sparks conversations about how people move around the city and highlights transportation options that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Ultimately, Ross says Green Week is about helping people gain confidence in trying something new, whether that’s cycling to class, taking the bus across town or learning more about emerging electric mobility technologies.

As Green Week continues through September 27, organizers hope participants leave with a broader understanding of the transportation choices available in Prince George and consider incorporating some of those options into their daily lives.

by Nick Dube

Green week puts transportation first

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