LOCAL people are being asked to put their best foot forward to promote fitness and support the local environment by joining in Walk to Work Day today, Friday April 5.
Whatever the weather, Derry City and Strabane District Council is calling on everyone to support the campaign, which endeavours to get everyone walking part or all of the way to work to promote better health and cleaner air.
Participants who take in the city side of the Peace Bridge on their journey between 8.30 am – 10 am will be rewarded with free giveaways, including safety lights, tote bags, reusable coffee cups and breakfast snacks (while stocks last).
Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor John Boyle, lent his voice to the campaign, encouraging drivers to ditch the car today.
“Walk to Work Day provides an opportunity for those people who take driving for granted to try walking to school or work, or even just enjoying the fresh air and fitness benefits of walking 15 minutes of their daily commute,” he explained.
“We all know that walking is good for us and the environment and in a city that boasts an ever expanding greenway network and beautiful surroundings, we have no excuse not to get out there and get walking!”
Those who can’t walk all the way are encouraged to mix their walk with public transport, leaving the car a good distance from the office, or taking a walk at lunchtime.
Council Sustrans Officer Emma Hagger said: “We know that everyone leads busy lives and we can all argue that we simply don’t have time to Walk to Work.
“Well today, Friday, April 5, is your chance to switch up your routine and see how walking to work enhances your day.
“In such a fast paced world we can forget there’s more to life than working and sleeping – taking a walk can help us appreciate things we normally miss.
“Whether it’s enjoying nature and reconnecting with the natural environment or taking time to catch up with a friend, the health benefits are unmistakable.
“I want to encourage everyone to give it a go.”
You can also stop by the Council’s Walk to Work hub where you can pick up giveaways and reward yourself for your efforts.
You can find out more about the North West Greenway Project and Council’s Active Travel campaign at www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Northwest-Greenway-Network/Our-vision
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