Workers in Derry challenged to leave their cars at home in bid to beat risk of cancer
Workers in Derry are being challenged to leave their cars at home next month and try alternative forms of transport in a bid to get fit and improve the environment.
A recent study revealed those who cycle to work are more likely to live longer and less likely to develop cancer.
The Active Travel Challenge (ATC), which runs from the 1st – 28th of May, supported by the Public Health Agency (PHA), is free and only takes a few minutes to register online at www.atc.getmeactive.org.uk
The Challenge, which is free for any company or individual to join, aimsto get as many people as possible taking more of their journeys to and from work by walking, cycling, using public transport or car-sharing.
Workplaces already signed up include AECOM, Allstate NI and Derry City & Strabane District Council and the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
The winning workplaces in each size category will win an ATC plaque and there are lots of great prizes for individuals during the month including £150 cycle commuter packs and Fitbit Charge 2 plus loads of other prizes up for grabs during the challenge.
Employees can pit themselves against each other and can compete with other businesses to see who can make the most journeys by sustainable modes of transport. The more sustainable journeys, the more points on the leader board and points make prizes!
Michele Murphy, Sustrans Workplaces Active Travel Officer said: “I’m delighted that after the Challenge being held in Belfast for the past two years it is being rolled out to the north-west for 2017! The more people from your workplace you have participating, the better your chances of winning your size category.
“I’m really pleased to see that so many people recognise active travel and active lifestyles as something positive that can benefit our lives both inside and out of work. The Active Travel Challenge is a really good way to get yourself going again after a long and dreary winter!”
Collette Brolly, PHA Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager said: “Leading the Way with Active Travel is a 3 year programme that has been commissioned by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to encourage and support staff in some of the North West’s largest workplaces to travel actively as part of their working day. The Active Travel Challenge is part of this programme, but is free to ALL workplaces in the NW and we welcome as many as possible to take part.”
The Challenge includes a handy mobile App to help you log your journeys when you’re on the move. You simply log any journeys for leisure, to commute or for work that is carried out on foot, by bike, by motor cycle, by public transport or lift-sharing.”
You can also log a 'work at home' day if it means you don't have to travel to the office by car on your own and you can also log virtual meetings. The only journey that doesn't count is travelling in a car on your own (and taxis don't count as lift-sharing either!)
To register yourself and or company go to www.atc.getmeactive.org.uk
Pictured are Western Trust signing up for the challenge at their tea/coffee and scone morning on Wednesday.