Northern Ireland workplaces are being encouraged to take part in a newly-launched Active Travel Challenge.

Translink, the Department for Infrastructure, Public Health Agency (PHA), Sustrans, health trusts and some councils have thrown support behind the challenge.

For the month of June, workplaces can sign up and track their journeys to win prizes and compete with other businesses across NI or even set up teams within the office for a bit of healthy competition.

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

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."

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Public Health Agency Chief Executive, Aidan Dawson added: "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."

Speaking about the benefits of hybrid working, Sustrans Director Caroline Bloomfield said: "This year we are encouraging everyone to get active on their everyday journeys. Instead of sitting in a traffic jam or spending time looking for car parking, why not try walking or cycling as part of your commute, shopping trip or for leisure. As many of us return to some form of office working there is a great opportunity to change how we travel to work. The Active Travel Challenge is a great way to kick-start being active in your daily routine and make the change to a healthier lifestyle that will also benefit the environment."

Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, John Walsh commented: "As a council, we want to encourage more people to walk and cycle and in turn, improve their physical health and mental wellbeing while reducing their carbon footprint. The Active Travel Challenge provides a fantastic platform to encourage people out of their cars, be that walking to the bus stop or walking or cycling for their entire journey. We are delighted to champion the Active Travel Challenge, again this year."

It's free to register 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 vouchers, travel tickets and rewards with national and regional retailers.