Encourages public participation in the 2025 Active Travel Challenge, as called for by the Minister.
The 2025 Active Travel Challenge, an initiative that encourages commuters to adopt eco-friendly and healthier modes of transport, has been launched in Northern Ireland. This year's challenge aims to build upon the success of the 2024 event, which saw an impressive collective saving of around 13 tonnes (13,000kg) of CO2 emissions, with over 1,400 participants and over 21,000 active journeys logged [1].
Registration for the challenge, which is open to everyone of all ages across Northern Ireland, is now open and free. Participants can register as individuals or teams and log their active journeys online for a chance to win rewards. The challenge encourages commuters to use walking, cycling, public transport, or other active travel options during June [2].
The Active Travel Challenge is a collaborative effort involving key organizations and government bodies that support active travel infrastructure and initiatives. Notable partners include the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Council, Translink, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Public Health Agency (PHA) [1]. The collaboration aims to help reduce congestion, improve air quality, and promote healthier lifestyles.
Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive of the PHA, and Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, have expressed their support for the initiative. Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and MLAs across the region attended the launch of the 2025 challenge [1].
The Active Travel Challenge offers a valuable opportunity for businesses, community organizations, universities, and local authorities to engage staff, students, and members. Claire Pollock, Head of Northern Ireland, encourages people to leave their cars behind and choose walking, cycling, or public transport for the Active Travel Challenge [1].
The challenge can bring numerous benefits, including boosting mental health and wellbeing, helping maintain a healthy weight, improving sleep quality, reducing anxiety, and lowering the risk of chronic conditions [1]. The initiative is also funded by Translink, the Department for Infrastructure, and the PHA [1].
The Active Travel Challenge uses the hashtag #GetMeActiveNI on social media to keep participants updated. Sustrans, a charity dedicated to making walking, wheeling, and cycling easier and safer, is a key partner in the challenge, providing expertise and implementing projects that enhance infrastructure and encourage participation [4].
While specific details on rewards for the 2025 Active Travel Challenge were not explicitly stated, such challenges typically offer recognition or incentives for individuals, schools, or communities that actively participate and achieve certain milestones [1][3].
In summary, the 2025 Active Travel Challenge in Northern Ireland is a multi-stakeholder effort aimed at promoting healthier and greener travel choices by improving infrastructure, encouraging participation, and partnering with organizations like Sustrans to deliver lasting positive change [3][4]. The challenge is open now, so sign up and start making a difference today!
- The science of environmental-science and climate-change plays a crucial role in the Active Travel Challenge, as it provides data on the environmental benefits of using eco-friendly travel options.
- The finance industry can support the active travel challenge by sponsoring rewards or incentives for participants, helping to attract more people to adopt healthier and greener modes of transport.
- As the challenge encourages commuters to use fitness-and-exercise options like walking and cycling, it aligns with the health-and-wellness industry's goals of promoting active lifestyles and improving public health.
- The transportation industry, including firms involved in public-transit, can collaborate with the Active Travel Challenge by offering discounts or special promotions to participants, making it more convenient for them to choose eco-friendly travel options.
