THUNDER BAY — Area residents are being encouraged to walk, run or bike to work.
Community members gathered at Confederation College on Tuesday to launch the city’s fourth-annual Active Commute Challenge.
The challenge runs for the month of June, and individuals and workplaces in Thunder Bay and across the district can log their commutes and compete against other workplaces to earn recognition and rewards for their effort.
“It's exciting to see so many people that were here today that are enthusiastic and supportive of active transportation,” said Leena Pehkonen, a nurse for Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
The month-long challenge is meant to encourage residents to use active transportation methods for their commutes
“It makes them stronger, it makes them more energetic, makes them healthier overall and helps lower the risk of those chronic diseases,” said Janet DeMille, Medical Officer of Health & CEO of Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
DeMille said that in addition to improving physical health, regular activity can significantly improve mental well-being.
“There's a lot of benefits and what's going to resonate for different people is just going to be different,” said DeMille
“It's really to promote physical activity and the benefits of that, but also to reduce our collective greenhouse gasses because we know that is contributing to climate change,” said Pehkonen.
The health unit extended the challenge from one week to the entire month of June, to reduce the impact of poor weather and in support of lasting active transportation habits.
“We have such an improved cycling and biking infrastructure here in Thunder Bay, so it gives people a chance to kind of explore that, check out some routes, and try something new,” said Pehkonen.
Registration information can be found online.
