Virginia Tech students and employees will have the opportunity to learn more about the various commuting options available at the Active Commute Celebration on Sept. 21.

The Active Commute Celebration, which is held annually during Virginia Tech's Sustainability Week, recognizes those who choose to bike, bus, walk, carpool, or vanpool to campus, and also serves to educate the community about transportation options.

In support of the Heads Up Hokies Campaign, this year’s event will emphasize safety.

The celebration will be held on the main Squires Plaza from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include free breakfast from Panera Bread. Individuals will be able to participate in a helmet decorating contest and a free bike helmet giveaway courtesy of The Gregory Weiner Foundation.

Several campus organizations will participate in the event, including Hokie Wellness, the Virginia Tech Police Department, the Office of Emergency Management, Dining Services, the Office of Energy and Sustainability, and Parking Services. A gallery of photos from last year’s event is available online.

A number of community groups will participate as well. They include Blacksburg Transit, RIDE Solutions, Sustainable Blacksburg, and Zimride.

At Virginia Tech, 88 percent of resident students, 67 percent of off-campus students, and 42 percent of employees rely on alternative modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, transit, and carpool. 

In 2013, Virginia Tech was designated a Bronze Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. Each year since 2010, the university has been awarded gold in Best Workplaces for Commuters Race to Excellence. In 2014, the university was also recognized in the "Best of" categories for universities in the Best Workplaces for Commuters Race to Excellence.

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Written by Abbey O'Farrell.

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