Attention News Editor:

News Release                   For Immediate Release

April 30, 2003

Bike & Walk to Work Challenge starts May 20^th in Owen Sound

OWEN SOUND –

Bikers, hikers, joggers and walkers are wanted for the 1^st annual Bike & Walk to Work Challenge, starting in Owen Sound on May 20^th.

Starting with a kickoff event at 8:00 a.m. at Owen Sound City Hall on May 20th, participants are encouraged to walk, run, or bicycle to work. The challenge runs until June 30^th, 2003.

“Participants can choose to participate once, a couple of times, or every day of the challenge,” said Betty Perkins, Public Health Nurse from the Grey Bruce Health Unit.  “And by doing the Challenge, you can be good to yourself, your health and the health of your community.”

Participants enter a ballot every time they bike or walk to work (even just one way) and can win prizes including a $1000 bike from Jolley’s Alternative Wheels, home energy assessment service, running shoes and a pedometer and gift certificates that include custom bleaching kits from Georgian Family Dentistry.

The Bike & Walk to Work Challenge is organized by the Grey Bruce Health Unit, City of Owen Sound, V.I.T.A.L. (vision for transportation alternatives), Jolley’s Alternative Wheels and the Grey Bruce Renewable Energy Co-operation.

The group explains there are a number of benefits for the community when residents use their own energy to get to work, instead of taking a motor vehicle. 

Research shows moderate physical activity, like biking or walking, can reduce the risk of many diseases including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and depression.  Other health benefits include maintaining a healthy weight and increased energy levels.

“By biking or walking to work, and leaving the car at home, we can also help improve air quality and contribute to a healthier Grey-Bruce,” said Kim Knight of the Grey Bruce Renewable Energy Co-operation.

“Bicycling to work also improves your bottom line.  You can save money on gas, parking, and wear and tear on your vehicle,” added Shane Jolley of Jolley’s Alternative Wheels.

Workplaces and individuals in Owen Sound are invited to take part in the Challenge.  Ballot forms and boxes are available by calling the Health Unit at 376-9420 Ext. 268.  For more information about the Bike/Walk to Work Challenge, look under Physical Activity on the Health Unit website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

SideBar:

Events to keep in mind for the Bike & Walk to Work Challenge:

Ø      Commuter Clinics presented by Jolley’s Alternative Wheels. 

Learn more about bike safety, maintenance and riding technique on:

1.      Wednesday May 7^th, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers, Owen Sound (bring your lunch)

2.      Tuesday May 13^th, 1-2 p.m., PPG Canada 1799 20^th Street East, Owen Sound

3.       Thursday May 15th, 7 – 8p.m. at Jolley’s Alternative Wheels, 939-2^nd Avenue East, Owen Sound.

For more information on the commuter clinics look under events on the website at www.alternativewheels.com.

Ø      Attend the Bike & Walk to Work kick-off event at:

Owen Sound City Hall, 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20^th.

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For more information:

Betty Perkins, Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

Walkerton Office

(519) 881-1920