Chris Hartcher said, “walking is such a simple activity, yet the majority of Australians don’t do it enough.  This is one of the key reasons Australian transport produces 16% of greenhouse gas emissions."

Environmentally, walking can help remove cars from the road, which will reduce greenhouse emissions and cut traffic congestion – making our cities more liveable.

So get walking on Friday 3 October, which is National Walk to Work Day (WTWD).

“Each kilometre of car travel avoided saves up to half a kilogram of greenhouse gas and 20 cents in operating costs. 

“WTWD is held annually to remind all Australians regular walking is a great way to improve heath and help cut our carbon footprint by developing a new healthy habit of regular physical activity. After all, walking is an easy, enjoyable, safe and sociable method of exercise and it makes you feel great. Best of all you can do it any time, any where and it’s free!” said Chris Hartcher.

The facts speak for themselves. The Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics has found that 90% of urban passenger trips are by car with a 37% increase expected in total kilometres between 2005 and 2020. However, the private benefits that individuals get from driving are outweighed by broader costs such as time stuck in traffic and air pollution. Unsurprisingly, these costs are greatest in Sydney, where they are 17 per cent higher than Melbourne, three times higher than Brisbane and four times as high as Perth.

WTWD is truly an event for everyone.  Across Australia public and private organisations of all sizes are helping to raise awareness and to encourage their staff to get fit and healthy by walking more regularly.

Mr Hartcher said that, “Walk to Work Day was the perfect opportunity to remind people that every step counts.

“You don’t have to walk all the way to work, just part of it. If you live some distance away from your work, try taking public transport for some of the way and walk the rest. Or if you have to drive to work, park at least 1 kilometre away and walk the rest. Taking the stairs instead of the lift is another good option”, Chris Hartcher concluded.

National Walk to Work Day - Friday 3 October, 2008 encourages all Australians to take the first step towards better health - Register at www.walk.com.au.