By Jack Carver
A new program coming to the Quinte region is hoping to get residents out of their cars and on their bikes in Belleville.
Tanya Hill, health promoter at the Hastings and Prince Edward County Health Unit, said that the new program, the Commuter Challenge, will be easy to do in Belleville.
“Belleville is a small city and the distances between places is close enough that you can easily get to by biking or walking. So with the Commuter Challenge we just want to encourage people to think about different ways of getting around and try a different form of commuting to work, like carpooling or taking the bus.”
Hill said there’s some work to be done to make Belleville accessible to its pedestrians and cyclists.
“I think Belleville has some progress to be made, but along with that we need a base support for infrastructure as well,” said Hill. “Showing that people are getting out of their cars and showing that there is a demand for cycling lanes and better infrastructure for pedestrians. There would be more support for it and cause it to be implanted faster as well.”
The program has been implemented on a national level, but this is the first time it has come to Quinte region, said Hill.
“It runs from coast to coast, it’s a national program. But we decided we wanted to up the promotion of active forms of transportation at the health unit here. We took it on to help workplaces to help sign up for it and raise awareness.”
“Our environment is built around cars,” she added. “And we need to bring that environment up for pedestrians and cyclists as well. We’re putting more of an emphasis on things you can do other than driving. Its good for your health, environment, and you save money on gas.”
During the week of the challenge, every time you do an active commute through your workplace, you’re entered to win one of the prizes. A three-day bicycle tour, a fitness centre membership and more are up for grabs.
The Commuter Challenge takes place from June 3rd to the 9th. More information can be found at www.commuterchallenge.ca [1].