The overall winner of this year’s Eco Commuting Challenge was Karel Brulík, who cycled 421 kilometres on his journeys to and from work. His performance helped his home department, the Institute of Machine and Industrial Design, secure first place in the team competition. The challenge aims to promote environmentally friendly commuting by bicycle, on foot, or by scooter while encouraging employees to stay physically active.

Once again this year, many faculty staff members chose to turn their daily commute into an enjoyable sporting routine by taking part in the May Eco Commuting Challenge. Most participants travelled by bicycle, although walking, running, and scooter commuting were also well represented.

The overall winner was Karel Brulík from the Institute of Machine and Industrial Design, who cycled 421 kilometres. Second place went to Jan Chlubný from the Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow Laboratory, who covered 348 kilometres by bicycle. Third overall was Ivo Jebáček from the Institute of Aerospace Engineering, who travelled 341 kilometres by scooter and also claimed first place in the scooter category. He was followed by František Šebek from the Institute of Solid Mechanics, Mechatronics and Biomechanics, who cycled 270 kilometres. Fifth place overall, and by far the most active participant among walkers and runners, was Lukáš Běhoun from the Energy Institute with 262 kilometres.

In total, 37 colleagues from 10 FME departments took part in the challenge. During May, they covered 4,024 kilometres using human-powered transport. Cyclists accounted for the largest share with more than 2,600 kilometres, while walkers and runners logged nearly 750 kilometres and scooter riders almost 600 kilometres.

The winners will receive attractive prizes, but perhaps more importantly, they can take pride in having done something positive for both their health and the environment throughout May.

Although the competition has ended, there is no reason for eco-friendly commuting to stop. The summer months offer ideal conditions for active travel, and it would be a shame to abandon a good habit after only one month. You do not have to do it every day. Every day you choose to commute under your own power counts as a positive step—for yourself and for the planet.

We look forward to the next edition of the Eco Commuting Challenge next May!