2010 Walk2Work day a winner
The annual Walk2Work Day was a huge success in our city with several hundred (approximately 800) North Shore residents pounding the pavement to get to work and enjoying a free breakfast on the way.
Walk2Work Day is a national initiative coordinated by Living Streets Aotearoa aimed at encouraging people to walk more as part of their daily lives.
North Shore City’s Mayor, Andrew Williams, was impressed by the commitment of some residents who had walked for over an hour and a half to claim their free breakfast in Takapuna.
Others enjoyed coffee, food and music when they walked up to the Sunnynook, Smales Farm and Akoranga bus stations.
Walking as part of your journey to work, even if it means parking the car further away than usual, is a cheap and convenient way of incorporating exercise into your daily routine. Walking is also a great way of avoiding being stuck in traffic, especially for shorter journeys like to the dairy.
Particpants were encouraged to complete a survey, samples questions included:
'I like to walk to work because . . . '
* It's refreshing, gives me time to think and prepare for the day ahead. It's free, burns calories and energises me!
* Amazing things just miraculously seem to happen. Like today, I was just given free coffee and live music. Yesterday I met and talked to a Tibetan monk. Walking's great!
* It wakes me up before work and gives me a chance to smile at other early morning Auckland folk
* From the money I have saved in bus fares, I have bought electric guitars for my son and myself
* It is a win-win-win. I get fit, there's one less car on the road, it is enjoyable and it is free!
* It's a good way to get exercise and enjoy the sunshine when the rest of the day is spent inside
* It gives me exercise and saves $ on gym fees
* It's a good way to get the blood pumping in the morning
W alking to work is great,
A lovely way to start the day.
L istening to my Ipod,
K eeping fit and healthy.
I am travelling sustainably!
N ice to smile and wave at the 'regulars' I see.
G oing to keep this up!
* I LOVE IT! It leaves me feeling fresh and energized. It gives me time to think and prepare for the day ahead. It is time for me, my time-out. To top it all off is also free and burns calories!
* My eyes notice small seasonal changes, my ears hear birdsong, my heart likes the gentle workout, my legs enjoy the steady rhythm, and my mind feels the stresses of life ebbing away with each happy step
* I feel invigorated by the fresh morning air instead of merely getting in ones car and adding to all the noise and outrageous congestion on the packed to the rafters Northern Motorway
* It leaves my vehicle in the garage saving me money while I benefit my health and keep in touch with my neighbourhood
* I didn't get to be so gorgeous driving a car
For more info see:
http://www.northshorecity.govt.nz/Services/TransportAndRoads/Walking/Pages/Walk2WorkDay2010.aspx
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Walk2Work on Auckland's North Shore - and if you're able to walk to or from a selection of busway stations on the day you can join in the festivities for Walk2Work Day
When: Wednesday 10 March 2010, 7am-9am
Where: Hurstmere Road, Takapuna / Sunnynook Bus Station / Smales Farm Bus Station / Akoranga Bus Station
What: Light breakfast and celebration of walking
Who: All who leave the car behind and walk as part of the journey to work