May 29, 2014
Manitobans Encouraged to Get Active for Commuter Challenge Week
All Manitobans are encouraged to join in this year’s Commuter Challenge Week by cycling, walking, running, taking a bus or forming a carpool to get to school or work, Healthy Living and Seniors Minister Sharon Blady announced today at the launch of the annual event.
“This friendly competition can create new, healthy habits that can be practiced year round, adding years to your life and improving the life in your years,” said Minister Blady. “Physical activity improves the body and exercise stimulates the mind. It can be a great way to start and end the work day.”
This year’s event runs June 1 to 7. During last year’s Commuter Challenge, Manitobans logged more than 728,000 kilometres using green or active transportation which translated into a reduction of 120 tonnes of greenhouse-gas emissions, approximately 54,000 litres of fuel saved and 8.2 million calories burned, the minister said.
Manitobans can visit www.GreenActionCentre.ca to register and log their green kilometres during Commuter Challenge Week.
Since 2000, the Manitoba government has invested over $40 million in active transportation infrastructure and programs including developing the Trans Canada Trail in communities throughout the province, developing trails along the floodway, supporting rapid transit as well as providing funding for over 67 active transportation projects in Winnipeg and 34 more throughout other communities.
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