Northern Ireland Issues Active Travel Challenge

August 6, 2021 

People across Northern Ireland are being urged to leave their cars at home this September and sign-up for Northern Ireland’s Active Travel Challenge. The challenge is an attempt to advocate for more environmentally friendly ways to get around,  reduce car emissions and promote active lifestyles.

As COP26 - the UN Climate Change's global conference which will by hosted by the UK this November - approaches, many organisations and businesses are looking towards a more sustainable approach and COVID-19 recovery plans. The Active Travel Challenge comes from Belfast transport organisation TransLink in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure, Public Health Agency, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Sustrans and Belfast City Council.

Last year's challenge was designed to encourage people who live and work in East Sussex, UK to travel actively and switch to walking and or cycling – for all or part of journeys – and use public transport where appropriate. This year the challenge brings a huge opportunity for people to change their travel habits for the better and choose a way of transport that is not using their car. Employers are encouraging staff to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or take public transport for some of their journeys to, from and during work. Participants will log their ‘active travel’ journeys online and can compete with colleagues and other companies to see who makes the most of sustainable travel. The challenge aims to help accelerate action on climate, improve local air quality and create a much better quality of life for all. 

 “I welcome the Active Travel initiative and would encourage everyone to look at how they can make their daily journey to work and indeed all journeys a means to improve their physical as well as mental health. Adopting more active and sustainable modes of travel, be it cycling or walking, has been long recognised as providing benefits to peoples physical wellbeing as well as being of benefit to the environment,” said Northern Ireland Health Minister, Robin Swann.

The joint initiative is part of a collaborative drive to inspire people to adopt greener travel options that will prioritise their health and wellbeing and support Northern Irelands ‘green’ economic COVID-19 recovery and progress towards a low-carbon future. Northern Ireland's five-point plan aims to boost their short–term economic recovery (through job creation), restore and maintain their natural environment both on land and at sea and help tackle climate change, whilst increasing well–being in Northern Ireland.

The challenge is free to enter, with a different theme each week of the month and a range of prizes and incentives up for grabs, including shopping vouchers and Translink tickets. 

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon added: “Tackling the climate crisis must be a priority for everyone. The Active Travel challenge encourages us all to think differently about how we travel and how we can all contribute towards a low-carbon future. I am delighted that my Department is working in partnership with other agencies to support this challenge. Together we can make a real difference...Not only will you contribute to cutting down on traffic congestion, reducing air pollution and improving the quality of life for us all, but travelling more actively will also improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing.” 

According to the Northern Ireland and Net Zero report, Northern Ireland accounted for 4.3% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2018 and produced the equivalent of 10.3 tonnes of CO2 per person compared with a UK figure of 6.8 tonnes of CO2 per person. The UK makes up approximately 1% of global emissions. This challenge aims to relieve some of these CO2 emissions by encouraging environmentally friendly travel and in turn promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said: “Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest threat of our time. 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.” 

Find out more about signing up to the Active Travel Challenge by visiting GETMEACTIVE.ORG.UK 

Source: Newry.ie C.I.C