Striding to work

GETTING to work on time isn’t a problem for Waterside man Derek Leonard, thanks to the new Peace Bridge and a good pair of shoes.

The Derry City Council Telephonist and Receptionist says walking from his Irish Street home to the Strand Road offices now takes him approximately 25 minutes on foot thanks to the opening of the Peace Bridge over the summer months.

Derek, who has been working with the Council for 26 years, is one of a number of staff members actively promoting the city’s bid for European Mobility status by ditching the car in favour of sustainable modes of transport.

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“The Peace Bridge is really great. I am able to get extra time in bed and a cuppa before I leave for work in the morning. I don’t drive but would have taken the bus to work or got a lift from some of my work colleagues but since the bridge opened I try and walk as often I can,” he said.

Not only is it convenient but its good from a health point of view, something that Derek is conscious of.

“I am a keen runner and only last week successfully completed the Waterside Half Marathon in two hours - so walking to work is another form of exercise for me and is good for my health,” he said.

Ross McGill, from Sustrans is leading on the initiative on behalf of Derry City Council and the support of DRD Road Service /Travelwise NI, Ilex, DSD (NWDO) and Translink, in an effort to secure European Mobility Week Award for Derry/Londonderry.

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The programme, which included an “In Town without my Car Day,” a series of Dr Bike Clinics, walk and cycle initiatives and a bike hire scheme, took place during European Mobility Week (September 16-22).

Ross said staff members at the Council offices were very supportive of the initiative with many choosing to car share, walk or cycle to work during Mobility Week.

“It’s great having people like Derek come on board and support our initiative and talk about the real benefits of not taking a car to work.

“We are hoping that this initiative will have a lasting impact and hopefully encourage people to use other methods of transport and help us make a real and lasting difference to our environment.”

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During European Mobility Week the Council encouraged people to take their bikes to a number of Bike Clinics across the city and to avail of a Bike Hire facility at the Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau.

The Council also made its staff car park available for parking and encouraged the public to walk or cycle to St Columb’s Park via the Peace Bridge.

Local schools and employers across the city also left their cars at home to support the “In Town Without My Car Day” and travelled to work and school by bus, bike and on foot.

“The European Mobility Week activities is a great way of acknowledging the positive work that has been done to date in relation to the promotion of sustainable transport.

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“It’s our way of engaging with the wider public about the benefits of sustainable transport and promoting the work that is being done to provide new and improved pedestrian and cyclist provision in the city,” added Ross.

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