PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF KEY WEST

KEY WEST, Fla. – The increased number of people commuting on the bus or on bikes this week is very likely due to a friendly competition among Key West’s larger employers. Key West’s Green Commute Challenge sets a rivalry between the largest employers in the tropical paradise because those employers can make the most difference in going green.

Eleven Key West employers have thrown their hats in the ring for the friendly competition that encourages cleaner and healthier methods of getting to and from work: City of Key West, First State Bank, Health, Florida Keys Community College, Keys Energy Services, Lower Keys Medical Center, Monroe County School District, Mosquito Control, Southernmost Beach Resort, Tropical Soup Group, and the US Coast Guard – Sector Key West.

Points are awarded per employee who reports their method of commuting with the greenest, people-powered commutes: biking, walking, skateboarding, and even carpooling. Standout performances from 2015 include Chief Licensing Official Carolyn Walker, who logged 85 miles biking from her house on Sugar loaf, and the Southernmost Hotel team who carpooled with four or more people every day.

“The Coast Guard beat us out Florida Department of for the Bragging Rights plaque last year,” said City Manager Jim Scholl. “We’re ready for a rematch. See you on the bus.”