Get active and walk or ride to work

Released 01/01/2018

Today is Diabetes Australia National Walk to Work Day, and with the weather starting to warm up across the ACT now is an ideal time to start thinking about healthier travel options.

“We are very lucky to live in a city where there are so many options for active travel, including an extensive footpath and cycle path network supported by fantastic public transport options, so there are plenty of opportunities to get more exercise in your daily routine,” Director or Assets, Schools and Active Travel, Andrew Pedersen, said.

“National Walk to Work Day will be followed by Bicycle Network National Ride to Work Day on Wednesday 12 October. This is another chance to be active and have fun at the same time.

“Both celebrations are held annually to encourage more Australians to walk and ride to work on a regular basis to gain health benefits, reduce congestion on our roads and lower emissions.

“Why not think about combining public transport with active travel? This could be as simple as, catching a bus to work and walking to your meeting throughout the day, getting off a stop or two earlier or making use of our bike and ride facilities across Canberra.

“To celebrate these two days, the ACT Government is taking part in a number of events, including a lunchtime pop up today in Civic and a community breakfast.

“At lunchtime today an information pop-up will be held at the City Walk, near the fountain, in Civic. Olympic walker Brendan Reading will be available to chat all things walking and his recent experience at Rio. There will also be a track set up so members of the public can race Brendan.

“Representatives from the Heart Foundation, Living Streets and the ACT Government will also be on hand to talk with the community about the benefits of walking and active travel. The pop up will run from 12 noon to 1.30 pm.

“On Wednesday 12 October ACT Government representatives will be on hand at the two Pedal Power community breakfasts, held from 7.30 pm to 9 pm at the Dame Pattie Menzies House in Dickson and Veterans Park in Civic. The free breakfast will include demonstrations on how to use our ACTION bus bike rack and information on cycling around the ACT.

Further information on active travel in the ACT and public transport options is available at www.transport.act.gov.au

For more information on Walk to Work Day and Ride to Work Day or to register your participation visit www.walk.com.au or www.bicyclenetwork.com.au

- Statement ends -

ACT Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate | Media Releases

Media Contacts

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases