The City of Burnaby and City of New Westminster are launching the 2021 season of the Walk30 Burnaby | New West Challenge on May 10, with the goal of inspiring residents to walk more for health and take a fresh look at how we get around our community.
Although the event was paused in 2020 due to uncertainties around the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event has grown in popularity over the years, from 894 participants back in 2017 to 3,629 in 2019. Walk to school, work, shop or play—every minute will count. Both the City of Burnaby and the City of New Westminster are committed to promoting walking as a convenient form of transportation that anyone can participate in.
“Taking the steps towards a healthier lifestyle is a great move for personal health and gives us a chance to experience our city in a new way. I hope everyone finds a way to fit more walking into their days,” said Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley.
“Walking outdoors has helped me and my family stay healthy both mentally and physically, especially during this difficult time,” said Mayor Jonathan Cote. “I’d like to encourage everyone in our community to join me in the Walk 30 Challenge – explore your community more, walk to local businesses and enjoy our beautiful parks.”
From May 10-June 13, registered participants will track and share daily walking minutes online. Register now at: www.best.bc.ca/walk30.
Taking a walk in the outdoors, especially during a pandemic can be beneficial to break the monotony of virtual meetups and ease stress levels, all while adding a regular dose of physical fitness. Research shows that walking 30 minutes a day improves health and well-being – even if you reach a total 30 minutes by doing a few short walks. People can walk on their own or form a virtual team for friendly competition. Participants can track minutes walked using a watch, phone or fitness device. Schools are invited to form classroom or staff teams. Companies and organizations can encourage their employees to walk more by challenging other companies or departments to see who can walk more during our Walk30 Challenge this year.
“The Walk30 Challenge is a great way to keep active and healthy during these difficult times. It’s an opportunity to connect to others by joining a team online and explore your neighbourhood by walking outside with distancing,” said Dr. Aamir Bharmal, Medical Health Officer for Burnaby and New Westminster.
For more information, go to: www.best.bc.ca/walk30 or contact: Isabel Garcia at [email protected].
Walk30 Burnaby | New West partners include the City of Burnaby, City of New Westminster, Better Environmentally Sound Transportation (BEST), Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, TransLink and New Westminster Walkers’ Caucus.
Media Contacts:
City of Burnaby contact:
Margaret Manifold
Senior Social Planner
Phone: 604-294-7407
Email: [email protected]
City of New Westminster Contact:
Antonia Reynolds
Coordinator, Active Transportation
Phone: 604-515-3811
Email: [email protected]