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Active transport is defined as physical activity undertaken as a means of transport and not purely as a form of recreation. It is a great way to keep healthy and fit, save money and reduce your impact on the environment.
This can include walking, cycling, skating, skateboarding and any incidental activity associated with the use of public transport.
Active transport is an easy way to be regularly active and can help you fit 30 minutes of physical activity into your daily routine.
The NZ Transport Agency supports active travel through initiatives like Bike Wise, Walking School Buses, and funding supporting infrastructure like urban cycleways.
- Walk locally - walk to your local shops to purchase your bread and milk instead of driving your car.
- Use public transport - find out your options for catching public transport by contacting your local bus service provider.
- Ride your bike - investigate whether you can cycle your bike to work or down to your local shops.
- Be creative - try and find new ways to incorporate active travel into your day, for example walk to meetings instead of driving or take the stairs instead of the lift.
The NZ Transport Agency provides resources encouraging active travel and commuting.
Get advice and information on getting started with walking.
Staff who cycle or walk in full or in part to get to and from work:
- take fewer sick days and have better health;
- are more likely to arrive on time as they avoid traffic congestion and delayed buses/trains;
- are more likely to be alert when they get to work;
- are more likely to have increased job satisfaction; and
- are more cost effective for the workplace.
Where possible, workplaces should:
- promote and encourage the use of active transport to get to and from work;
- provide adequate changing and showering facilities at all work premises;
- provide adequate storage, lockers and drying facilities for sport and wet weather clothing; and
- provide sufficient secure bike parking at each work site.
Cycling to work has many benefits as well improving your health and the health of the environment:
- saves fuel and parking costs;
- reduces traffic congestion;
- reduces wear and tear on the road network; and
- reduces wear and tear on your car (if you have one).
Contact your local council to see if they have a cycling route map for your area so that you can find the safest route for your cycle to work.
If you have a long way to travel, you could combine your bike ride with public transport or even take your car for part of the journey.
If you intend to carry your bike on the back of your vehicle, the law requires the licence plate to be visible and unobscured.
Get more advice and information on getting started with cycling.