Walking class on the march

THIS Friday all Australians will be encouraged to unblock some arteries, relieve the congestion and to walk more by leaving their cars at home and combining walking and public transport to travel to and from work.

Employers will be encouraged to be more flexible on start and finish times and more lenient on dress codes and acceptable footwear.

Community leaders, mayors, councillors and celebrities from the entertainment, social, sporting and political arenas will be walking class heroes and acting as ambassadors for the event. They will be wearing walking class heroes caps and t-shirts and will be out in full force promoting the event.

They will be supporting the community's call for cleaner air, improved pedestrian safety, access and amenity and a healthier and more efficient approach to transport to and from work.

We encourage all Australians to become walking class heroes and join in the spirit of the Walk to Work Day an event from which we will all benefit in many ways and email-back or sign and fax-back the Hero's Pledge.

Most councils will have details of Walk to Work Day. Participants should call their local councils for further details.

Being a walking class hero is easy. On Friday, simply walk to work as far as it suits you, then catch public transport. It may also be a good idea to get off the bus, train or tram a few stops earlier and walk the rest of the way to work.

Please leave the car at home.

Encourage employers to participate and in particular, to allow smart-casual clothing to be worn (no ties, no heels). Employers are also requested to permit staggered working hours on the day, allowing staff to arrive early-late and leave early-late.