WHAT IS WALK TO WORK DAY (WTWD)
WTWD is an event to promote regular walking and physical activity. It is an annual, national event in which the community can become involved in a healthy and environmentally friendly activity. |
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The aims of Walk to Work Day are:
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To promote regular walking as a healthy activity (better physical, mental & social health)
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To reduce the reliance on the private motor vehicle (reduce car-dependency)
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To promote and improve the use of public transport (less traffic)
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To improve air quality by reducing unnecessary vehicle emissions (reduce global warming) |
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
You can be a Walking Class Hero on Friday 1 October 2010 by simply walking all or part of the way to work. Use public transport and get off the bus, train, tram or ferry a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way. Or take a half-hour walk at lunch-time. And where possible, walk up stairs. But, PLEASE, leave the car at home. If you have to drive, leave the car at least a kilometre or two from your destination and walk the remaining distance. |
WHAT EMPLOYERS CAN DO
All employers and managers are urged to set an example by participating and encouraging all employees to walk as part of commuting to work. They can start promoting the event by linking their website to the WTWD website: www.walk.com.au
Active transport (walking and cycling) and work-place physical activity programs have been shown to greatly reduce sick leave and increase productivity. Fact sheets and other material about the benefits of walking can be obtained from the WTWD website. |
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WHAT LOCAL COUNCILS CAN DO
In addition to encouraging management and staff to participate in WTWD, Councils are urged to support walking by improving footpaths and access to public transport and promoting local walking routes. Car-free days might be considered for certain cities and towns. Councils could also provide special arrangements for car parks that link to public transport.
Employers and Councils can help promote the event locally by contacting WTWD PR consultants in their State or Territory. They have been specifi cally engaged to help promote the event through local newspapers, radio and TV and other networks. Employers and Councils should also consider rewarding participants with a healthy breakfast and displaying WTWD posters wherever appropriate. |
WHO IS PARTICIPATING
Community leaders including governors, government ministers, MP’s, mayors, councillors, CEO’s and celebrities from the entertainment, social and sporting arenas will be participating.
So, Unblock Some Arteries, Relieve the Congestion, put your Feet First on Walk to Work Day and Make Time to Walk Every Day.
For further information go to: www.walk.com.au or phone the Pedestrian Council of Australia on (02) 9968-4555.
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It took human beings a million years to learn how to walk and fifty years to forget.
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