COMMUTERS in Bournemouth have racked up more than 11,000 journeys through sustainable means as part of a borough wide scheme.

The Bournemouth Commuter Challenge saw 752 participants swap to a more sustainable commute, burning nearly 2 million calories and collectively saving an estimated £11,455.

Carbon emission reductions also scored well during the six week scheme, with the total C02 savings surpassing 9 tonnes based on all logged journeys.

Cllr Mike Greene, Cabinet Member for Transport, Cleansing and Waste said: “Swapping regular journeys to more sustainable modes such as walking, cycling, car sharing or using public transport helps remove vehicles from the road and reduces congestion.

“It is encouraging that so many people have embraced the challenge, and the results in these six weeks have been fantastic. I’d like to thank all of those who took part and hope that this is just the start for many of a more active, healthier commute.”

Run by Bournemouth Council in partnership with Sustrans, the challenge was a free event which aimed to get more people travelling sustainably.

Individuals and teams from 70 local companies took part, including AECC University College, Bournemouth University, Unicorn Training, Bournemouth & Poole College, and Nationwide.

The challenge also encouraged people to log their sustainable journeys, and share comments and pictures as they participated in the six weeks between September 11 and October 21.

Among the comments, Bournemouth University staff member Jim said: “I now travel from Weymouth to Bournemouth with two others thanks to the ‘Dorset Car Share’ Scheme.

“This saves me and my sharing friends money as well as reducing our CO2 impact, a win-win all round.”

A £5000 grant to put towards sustainable transport infrastructure will be awarded to the overall workplace winner, AECC University College, and a total of six local companies have each won £100 to donate to their nominated charity.

Arvid Thorkeldsen, Vice-Principal Undergraduate Studies and Quality at AECC University College said: “We are thrilled to be able to donate £100 to charity and also very pleased to have won the special £5000 Capital Grant to put towards sustainable travel infrastructure.

“The grant will really help boost our responsibility to staff wellbeing, to improve our facilities and our existing cycle to work scheme.

“Staff at AECC University College have shown a positive approach to alternative methods of traveling to work.

“The Commuter Challenge was enjoyed by all who took part and our commitment to sustainable travel will continue thanks to the generous reward.”

A number of prizes were also awarded for a range of criteria including cycle champion, C02 saver and most journeys logged.