Get active, step up to spring challenge
Step into spring and spring into step with the Great Fresh Air Workplace Challenge. For the month of September New Plymouth residents are urged to leave their car in the garage and walk, run or ride to their destination.
Businesses, schools and individuals can win prizes for logging their active-travel distances during September at letsgo.org.nz, and there are also category titles up for grabs.
Let’s Go Integrated Transport Officer Nathaniel Benefield said the challenge was about New Plymouth District residents embracing the great outdoors with the arrival of spring and getting more exercise.
‘‘New Plymouth is widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading cities for getting around on foot or by bike,’’ he said. ’’We have numerous off road walkways connecting suburbs to the city and Coastal Walkway. Our shared pathways are invigorating and beautiful places to walk, run and ride. And if you’re outside New Plymouth you can explore what our region as on offer.’’
To register your workplace or school for the Fresh Air Challenge email one of the Let’s Go team at letsgo@npdc.govt.nz.
The Car-Free and Loving It Cup is awarded in five categories: Primary/intermediate school; High school; Businesses with more than 100 staff; Businesses with fewer than 100 staff; Businesses with fewer than 10 staff.
Active travel includes walking, running, bussing, cycling, scootering, skateboarding and carpooling. Even the hours of meetings done by video conferencing during September can be logged as part of the competition.
The Taranaki Regional Council, with the support of the bus operators, is running free bus services on all Citylink urban routes (sorry, not student fares) and the Hawera-New Plymouth Connector bus.
Last year more than 78,000 ‘Let’s Go trips’ including walking, cycling, skating, scootering, bus, carpooling and video conferencing were made over the four weeks.
TIPS:
Set yourself a goal, start a good habit. Plan ahead: consider who has the kids? When are you doing the grocery shop, could you schedule your gym sessions around your active travel goals?
Find yourself a travel mate.