Commuters across the North West have been urged to try walking, cycling or taking public transport this June as part of the Active Travel Challenge.

This initiative, which runs for the entire month of June, encourages commuters to use active travel options in an effort to boost sustainability, save money and improve physical and mental health.  It is a partnership between Sustrans, Translink, the Department for Infrastructure, the Public Health Agency (PHA), Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and Belfast City Council.

Open to individuals and organisations, this popular annual challenge sees participants log their 'active travel' journeys on the online platform for a chance to win a of range prizes, including vouchers, travel tickets, gym passes and rewards with national and regional retailers. 

Commenting on this year's challenge, Clive Watson, Assistant Area Route Manager (rail) at Translink, said: "Whether it's bus or rail, walking or cycling, active travel in the North West is an easy and achievable way to make a small change which will make a big difference in creating a cleaner, greener environment. We're encouraging everyone to get on board as part of this year's challenge and start enjoying the many benefits of a less stressful and more cost-effective way to travel."  

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In 2022, the Active Travel Challenge saw almost 9,000kg of CO2 saved by people opting to travel by walking, cycling, taking public transport and even skateboarding instead of using the car.  

Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency added: "We know that keeping physically active can improve our physical and mental health and wellbeing and quality of life, with as little as 30 minutes of moderate level physical activity most days of the week shown to help reduce anxiety, help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, some cancers, type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis, while also improving our quality of sleep.

"The Active Travel Challenge is a fun and interactive way to get moving more and highlights how incorporating physical activity in to our daily lives, such as walking the kids to school or cycling to work, can have a positive impact on our health. The PHA would encourage as many people as possible across Northern Ireland to take up the challenge this June and encourage family, friends and work colleagues to take part too."

Sustrans will host a series of events in the North West from the Active Travel Centre to help people to travel more actively by walking and cycling. Translink will also host events locally to encourage more people to get on board with public transport.