SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT: Walk to Work Day 3 October 2008

The aims of Walk to Work Day (WTWD) are to:

• Promote regular walking as a healthy activity (better physical, mental & social health)
• Reduce the reliance on the private motor vehicle (reduce car-dependency)
• Promote and improve the use of public transport (less traffic)
• Improve air quality by reducing unnecessary vehicle emissions (reduce global warming)

You can be a Walking Class Hero on Friday 3 October 2008 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.

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. 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.