By Bill Hodgins

Given its location, it’s impressive that so many Trent University employees participate in the annual Shifting Gears program.

Shifting Gears, a month-long competition and campaign which encourages those working in Peterborough to leave their cars at home and use sustainable ways to get to work, runs from May 1 through May 31. So far this year, Trent University has the second largest participant rate in the city, after only the downtown-based MNR building. Trent’s participation rate has continued to grow each year, and already, this year looks like it will see the highest turnout yet, says Richard Morgan, Associate Vice President, Development at Trent.

“It started off with a low number but it has grown steadily more and more as people have become more aware of it,” he says.

Throughout the month of May, Trent employees are encouraged to register for free with Peterborough Moves (http://www.peterboroughmoves.com/shiftinggears).  The program invites participants to walk, bike, take transit, share a ride or work from home – all in a bid to cut down on emissions and, where possible, encourage a healthy alternative.

Trent will also support Shifting Gears through a fundraiser scheduled for May 15. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. that day, there will be free basic bike tune-ups, provided by Wildrock Outfitters, and a barbecue outside Lady Eaton College. The barbecue is sponsored by Aramark, and profits from the day will go back to the Shifting Gears program.

Morgan says the month-long challenge is also an opportunity to promote the shower and towel service made available to Trent employees at the Athletics Centre throughout the summer. (http://www.trentu.ca/athletics/)

For those who want to freshen up when they get to work, the centre is offering a shower pass that is valid from May 1 to Sept. 30. The cost is $50 for the five months and is pro-rated depending on when it is purchased. The shower and towel pass option is $60 and includes access to change rooms and one towel on each visit.

Morgan isn’t surprised at the support the Shifting Gears program receives from Trent.

“I think the broader commitment to sustainable forms of living, including transportation, resonates with the values and culture of the university,” he says. A lot of people take advantage of the Rotary Trail that runs through the campus from the city’s core to Lakefield, but there are plenty who will step up and car pool or take transit for the month, he adds.

Posted on Friday, May 10, 2013.