Launching the Active Travel Challenge at the North West Transport Hub are L-R Geraldine McFadden, Sustrans, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Tony McDaid, Translink, Fiona McCann, Public Health Agency, Naomi Cassidy, Derry City & Strabane District Council.
To support healthier, greener travel choices, Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr was joined by challenge partners to launch the 2025 Active Travel Challenge for participants in the Northwest.
Throughout June, the initiative encourages people across Northern Ireland to leave the car at home in favour of walking, cycling, public transport or other active travel options.
Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said: “This challenge is a brilliant way to give people the impetus to consider their active travel options to work. Our Council area’s ever expanding greenway network and Translink’s frequent services around the City and District means there has never been a better time to switch to active travel.
“Active travel is a great way to introduce physical activity to your daily routine and reap the health and fitness benefits of regular exercise. You’ll be playing your role in protecting the planet and you’ll be surprised how much money it saves over a month so sign up today and start reaping the rewards.”
Funded by Translink, the Department for Infrastructure and the Public Health Agency (PHA), and delivered in partnership with Sustrans, Western Health and Social Care Trust and Derry City & Strabane District Council, the Active Travel Challenge has also been backed by the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA, highlighting the growing momentum around sustainable travel.
Minister Kimmins commented: “Investing in cleaner and greener transport is one of my department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future.
“Signing up to the Active Travel Challenge this June is a great way to start making little changes in how we travel.
“Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle for shorter everyday journeys, and combining this with public transport for longer trips, is good for the environment and helps us build a healthier body and mind.
“I would like to build on the success of the 2024 challenge which had over 1,400 participants and over 21,000 active journeys logged and would encourage employers and individuals to register and start making a difference today.”
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: “It is great to see this initiative growing year on year encouraging more people to give sustainable and active travel a go.
“Last year’s challenge saw an impressive collective saving of around 13 tonnes (13,000kg) of CO₂ emissions helping reduce congestion and improve air quality.
“Research shows that people who take public transport are more active, clocking up more steps, helping support physical and mental wellbeing. We look forward to playing our part in this annual challenge, working together to create a healthier society and more sustainable future for everyone.”
Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the PHA, said: “The Active Travel Challenge gives everyone the opportunity to look at ways we can incorporate physical activity into our daily routines.
“Getting more active can help us maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep quality and help reduce anxiety and the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, some cancers and type 2 diabetes.
“As well as all that, it can also boost your mental health and wellbeing. The PHA would encourage everyone across Northern Ireland to take part in the Active Travel Challenge to benefit your mental and physical wellbeing and help our planet by reducing your carbon footprint.”
Claire Pollock, Head of Sustrans Northern Ireland, added: ”The Active Travel Challenge is a great opportunity for people to leave the car behind and choose walking, cycling and public transport options instead. We encourage everyone to make the change to a healthier lifestyle that will also benefit the environment.”
The initiative is open to everyone of all ages across Northern Ireland. It also presents a valuable opportunity for businesses, community organisations, universities, and local authorities to engage staff, students and members, encouraging friendly competition and supporting long-term modal shift.
Registration is free and is open now online. Participants can register as individuals or teams and simply log their active journeys online, for a chance to win a range of rewards including retail vouchers, travel passes, gym memberships and much more.
To find out more and get involved in this year’s Active Travel Challenge go to: atc.getmeactive.org.uk or email [email protected].
Keep up to date with all the latest ATC action on social media using #GetMeActiveNI
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