Minister for Transport, Chris Steel is encouraging all Canberrans to walk and ride local during the 5th annual Canberra Walk and Ride Week (15 - 21 March).
"The theme for Canberra Walk and Ride Week this year is 'Walk and ride local" recognising that we don't always need to use a car, especially when we're just travelling locally or in close proximity to our homes," Minister Steel said.
"COVID-19 restrictions saw more people walking and cycling around their local area and March is the best time to get out and about due to the favourable weather.
"Canberra also has an excellent network of shared paths and identified routes that people can use without having to go on road.
"In the last few years Canberra has seen a significant investment in new paths and treatments which make walking and cycling safer and more pleasant for everyone.
"To help discover your local area, use the Transport Canberra journey planner in combination with local cycling and walking maps to uncover how you can make the small trips within your community by bike or foot, whether that be to the shops, to a friend's house or to school.
"COVID-19 has seen many people change their travel patterns and initiatives such as Slower Streets and the introduction of shared e-scooters gives Canberrans more opportunities to consider their options and get active.
"If you are planning to venture further you can easily travel across all modes of transport, including buses, light rail, walking and cycling. For journeys that are too far to walk or ride, you can combine different forms of transport, such as Park and Pedal and Bike and Ride." Minister Steel said.
The ACT Government has published a list of activities that will happen during Canberra Walk and Ride Week, and the ACT Government encourages the community to discover and share your own ways on how to swap out the car for more riding or walking.
2021 Canberra Walk and Ride Week calendar includes:
National Ride2School day, Friday 19 March
Pedal Power's Big Canberra Bike Ride, Sunday 21 March
National Arboretum Forest walk, events throughout the week
