News Release                                                   For Immediate Release

                                                                                                June 23, 2005

Who Says You Can’t Beat City Hall?

You can beat City Hall. The staff of Jolley’s Alternative Wheels proved this by out-walking and out-biking Owen Sound City Hall staff during the week of Monday, June 3^rd to June 12^th, 2005.

In a 1-week Bike/Walk to Work challenge, the staff of Jolley’s Alternative Wheels took on the staff of City Hall.  Alternative Wheels staff commuted to work by biking or walking 28 times that week compared to the staff at City Hall who actively commuted 7 times. This is an amazing feat for the eight employees of Jolley’s.

Shane Jolley, owner of Jolley’s Alternative wheels had this to say, “Wow, when we realized we had only earned 28 ballots, we thought we did poorly!”

Ann McArthur, Recreation Coordinator with the City of Owen Sound, accepted the defeat on behalf of City Hall. “The City has its work cut out for itself. The staff are looking at initiatives to increase their activity levels. For example, we’re encouraging staff to walk to meetings instead of using a vehicle.”

The 3^rd Annual Bike Walk to Work Challenge, launched on May 16, runs until June 24.  It was created to offer commuters a way to incorporate physical activity into their busy work day by walking or biking to work or school.  It’s also a chance to win great weekly and grand prizes.  For each commute one way, participants enter their names in a weekly draw. 

To enter your business or school in the Bike/Walk Challenge, call Public Health at 376-9420 ext. 401, or visit the Public Health web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca, or Jolley’s web site at www.alternativewheels.com.

WINNERS OF WEEKLY DRAWS

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For more information:

Jane Dobisz, Public Health Nurse

Chronic Disease Prevention

Public Health

376-9420, ext. 414