Cornwall ready to roll in Active Transportation Challenge

Eastern Ontario Health Unit spokeswoman Chantal Lalonde emcees the kickoff for the Cornwall & Area Active Transportation Challenge on May 22, 2015. The event runs from May 31 to June 6 where residents are encouraged to 'leave the care behind' and take other forms of transportation. (Cornwall Newswatch/Bill Kingston)

CORNWALL – A little more than a week from now, you’re being encouraged to use alternate forms of transportation.

Around 30 people gathered on the steps of the Cornwall Public Library at Sydney and Second Streets as organizers held a kickoff for the Cornwall & Area Active Transportation Challenge.

The event is a collaboration between the Eastern Ontario Health Unit, City of Cornwall and Transition Cornwall +, where people are encouraged to walk, ride a bike, carpool or take the bus.

It runs from May 31 to June 6 and will also feature a number of events during the week including a movie screening and the ninth annual Clean Air Day on June 3 where Cornwall Transit will be free for the entire day.

“For us, it’s really important to note that it’s not just about getting to and from work using active forms of transportation but it’s anything that you’re doing throughout your day,” EOHU Health Promotion Specialist Chantal Lalonde told the crowd Friday afternoon.

Attendees were already getting in the spirit ahead of the event, with some showing up on bicycles and even one woman on in-line skates.

Roughly 30 people showed up at the Cornwall Public Library May 22, 2015 for the Active Transportation Challenge kickoff. The event runs May 31 to June 6 where residents can win prizes for getting around the city using other forms of transportation than the car. (Cornwall Newswatch/Bill Kingston)
Roughly 30 people showed up at the Cornwall Public Library May 22, 2015 for the Active Transportation Challenge kickoff. The event runs May 31 to June 6 where residents can win prizes for getting around the city using other forms of transportation than the car. (Cornwall Newswatch/Bill Kingston)

“It’s really not just about promoting the benefits of active transportation…it’s also about having eyes on the road, on the ground in our community and making a more vibrant and beautiful place for all of us to live,” Lalonde added.

She says it’s also a way to celebrate the active transportation infrastructure the Seaway City already has, such as the waterfront trails.

Cornwall came in second place, behind North Vancouver, in last year’s challenge with 15 workplaces and 142 participants involved.

In order to participate you have to register either as an individual or workplace. You can get more information on the city’s Active Transportation Challenge page.

You have a chance to win prizes, including bicycles, helmets and a skateboard, donated by various local businesses.

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