For the second year, the city is challenging residents to form teams and compete for the number of miles that can be saved by using alternative modes of transportation.

Commuter Challenge organizer Lawless Bean says more residents are trying to drive less this year in large part to nearly $4 a gallon gas.

"Because we had laid some of the foundation back when things were not so dramatic in terms of the gas prices, they were able to come to us and we started to work with them before the challenge."

Triple-A Carolinas puts the average gallon of gas in North Carolina a year ago at $2.75. Drivers are now paying on average a dollar more.

The City of Wilmington's commuter challenge starts next week.

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