Translink announces launch of new Active Travel Challenge in June 2022

Credit: Translink

Translink has announced the launch of a new Active Travel Challenge, encouraging people across Northern Ireland to try walking, cycling and taking public transport as an alternative to their cars for an entire month in June 2022.

The new challenge is a joint initiative that is backed by Translink, the Department for Infrastructure, Public Health Agency (PHA), Sustrans, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and Belfast City Council, who are also encouraging large and small businesses across the country to take part. Participants of the challenge will not only be in with the chance to win prizes, but to create new habits for a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.    

With the rising cost of living, an appetite to make greener choices that benefit the environment, and a return to the office – even in a hybrid model – there is a unique opportunity in 2022 to try out new ways to not only get to work, but to take a break from working at home and get moving outdoors.

This collaborative drive aims to inspire people to adopt greener travel options that will prioritise their health and wellbeing, as well as support Northern Ireland’s sustainable economic recovery and progress towards a low-carbon future.

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People can register for the Active Travel Challenge for free, and participants can log their ‘active travel’ journeys online throughout June, with a different theme each week of the month and a range of prizes up for grabs, including a range of vouchers, travel tickets and rewards with national and regional retailers.

Translink Director of Service Operations, Ian Campbell said: “Taking public transport, walking, or cycling, is not only an easy way to add in daily exercise, but it saves you money and creates time for yourself and your mental health. This year we have added more than 100 zero-emission buses to our fleet, as well as tap on technology to allow contactless payments on a range of bus services. We are transforming public transport to make it more attractive and easier to use, so more people make it their first choice for travel. Signing up to this challenge means everyone can do their bit to reduce congestion, reduce pollution and create a cleaner, more inclusive society for all.”

Public Health Agency Chief Executive, Aidan Dawson said: “Building active travel into your working day can help contribute to meeting the recommended amount of physical activity of 150 minutes each week. Research shows that physical activity can improve sleep, help maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress. It also reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, cancer, and respiratory conditions.”