Sustainable Transportation

Part of the solution to reducing levels of greenhouse gas emissions is to get as many people as possible out of single occupancy vehicles. The most environmentally benign alternatives – feet and bicycles.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the principal greenhouse gas (GHG) responsible for climate change. Cars emit 2.36kg of CO2 for every litre of gasoline burned. Because of Canada's reliance on cars, we have one of the highest rates per capita of GHG emissions. Even in a temperate city like Vancouver, only 2% of urban trips are made by bike.

Support for Sustainable Transportation

We strive to select store sites that are close to bike routes and transit lines. This makes it easier for staff and members to use sustainable transportation to reach our stores and to combine trips with nearby businesses.

Bike Facilities

We annually measure our staff commuting patterns, so we know we're not your average commuters. Almost 82% of MEC employees nationwide use alternative transportation (bike, public transit, or foot) to get to work. By comparison, 59% of Metro Vancouver commuters arrive at work in a single-occupancy vehicle. To encourage bike commuting we have showers and secure bike storage for staff at most locations. There is no car parking for employees at our stores, and most locations have a selection of bike tools that employees can borrow to make repairs and perform routine maintenance.

All of our stores have bike racks, and many have locks available for members to borrow. Some offer bike maintenance sessions and clinics to teach members how to keep their bikes on the road and running smoothly.

Participation in the Commuter Challenge

Employees at our offices and stores across Canada participate in Bike Week and the Clean Air Day Commuter Challenge , where MEC has consistently placed in the top ten for the percentage of employee participation.

Support for Car Sharing Networks

In urban centres car sharing networks provide a viable alternative to car ownership, while supporting sustainable transportation. MEC Toronto currently provides space in their parking lot for four AutoShare vehicles. MEC Calgary provides space for one vehicle from the Calgary Alternative Transportation Co-op (CATCO) and MEC Ottawa hosts a Vrtucar vehicle.