Media Advisory /                   May 5, 2004

Photo Opportunity

Bike/Walk to Work Challenge:  New Owen Sound map available to navigate your way to work

WHO:             Bike/Walk to Work Committee Members – biking/walking photo

WHAT:           Launch of new Bike/Walk to Work Map and six weeks of exciting events.

WHERE:         Southeast corner of 9^th St. W. and 1^st Ave. W. on the riverfront,

Owen Sound

WHEN:           9:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 11, 2004

WHY:              City residents who use their own energy to get to work will be able to use the new City of Owen Sound Bike/Walk Map to develop new routes to work.  The map offers information on commuting and staying active. 

The routes indicate the best possible links between residential neighbourhoods and key areas of employment, shopping, and schools.  In developing the map, consideration was given to traffic volume, hill grades, aesthetics and other road conditions.

The challenge kicks off May 17, 8:00 a.m. at City Hall and runs until June 28, 2004, with participants getting a chance to win prizes every time they bike or walk to work (even just one way).

Individuals and the community gain many benefits when residents leave the car at home -- participants increase their physical activity level, improve air quality by reducing vehicle emissions, and save money on the costs of operating a car.

The Bike/Walk to Work Challenge is organized by the Public Health Unit, City of Owen Sound, County of Grey, Jolley’s Alternative Wheels, Transcontinental Printing Inc. and V.I.T.A.L. (Vision for Transportation Alternatives).

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For more information, please call:

Betty Perkins, Public Health Nurse, Grey Bruce Health Unit, 881-1920