Media release
6 January 2013

Register now for your daily getaway

Back at work but feeling like you’d love to get away? You can get away every day by taking part in the Wellington region’s Active a2b summer programme.

Active a2b encourages people to make the most of their daily commute during summer by walking, cycling or scooting for all or some of their journey.

“Active a2b helps ease the return to work by enabling people to get their outdoor ‘fix’,” says Christian Williams, the Regional Council’s Active a2b coordinator. “They can leave the car at home and ride and take a waterfront route or go through a park. Public transport commuters, for example, could think about getting off one or two stations earlier and walk, or run a new route home. Some Active a2b participants have even commuted by kayak.

“Being able to enjoy the outdoors on your way to and from work really does make a difference to your state of mind – along with your blood circulation and your health

“When you register for the Active a2b programme you’ll have access to a range of motivational items such as a desktop calendar, a discount card for sports supplies and a personalised goal magnet. This year, participants will be able to get pedometers at a heavily reduced price and discounts and free entries to a number of the region’s annual sporting activities including Capital Classic, Splash and Dash, Round the Bays, Kapiti Women’s Triathlon and the Pat Farry Trust Fun Run. All the more reason to use your daily commute to help get in shape.

“As in previous years, Active a2b staff will be available to help motivate and give personalised support to participants who want it. “Our very popular bike buddy scheme will be running again this year. This is particularly appreciated by people who don’t cycle on the roads regularly. An experienced cyclist will accompany them on a couple of their commutes and show them what to look out for and give them various tips. It gives new road cyclists a real confidence boost.”

Active a2b is open to all commuters throughout the Wellington region. It runs until the end of daylight saving, 7 April 2014. You can register at www.activea2b.org.nz

ENDS

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