What you can do

Living Sustainably

Transport

Where do I start?

Use the car less. By walking instead of driving we can reduce greenhouse emissions, reduce air pollution, save money and become healthier.

Be healthy – walk and cycle

Physical inactivity is a major health issue in Australia. Contrary to what many of us think about ourselves, we are becoming less physically active, and are international leaders among couch potatoes. To stay healthy we need 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity.

Walking is not only beneficial for our health and wellbeing, it can also improve our quality of life because it helps protect and improve the living environment and natural resources.

Improving the environment brings the added health benefits of cleaner air, less traffic noise and fewer road accidents. Walking also gives streets vitality and improves personal security.

Ride a bike

Cycling is one of the most healthy ways to get around. There are many existing bicycle routes around urban and regional areas and hundreds of kilomteres of new cycle paths are under construction or at the planning stages.

You'll find plenty of information about cycling, including maps, where to find secure storage and safety tips. Many areas have a local cycling group that organises regular rides, special events and get-togethers. Why not share your favourite routes.

Walk to work

Join in the next Walk to Work Day and get together with your workmates to organise a Walk to Work Day Healthy Breakfast to promote 'active transport'.

'Active transport' is about walking and cycling to work - alone or in combination with catching public transport, and often involving the benefit of climbing stairs.

Brisk walking and cycling can be a fun and enduring way for you to obtain your daily requirement of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity.

Join in the Walk Safely to School Day

Walk Safely to School Day is an annual event encouraging primary school children to walk and commute safely to school.

It aims to:

encourage parents and carers to walk to school with primary school age children and reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour
promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age
ensure that children up to 10 years old hold an adult's hand when crossing the road, and
help children develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they become mature pedestrians.

Organise a 'walking school bus'

A 'walking school bus' is a group of primary school children who walk to and from school along a safe and enjoyable set route, accompanied by a minimum of two parents or supervisors.

One parent 'drives' at the front of the bus, while the other parent supervises at the rear. Additional parents may be needed. The walking bus picks up 'passengers' along the way at designated 'bus stops'.