Spring is here! Time to get active outdoors!

in motion hits the streets for an Active Transportation flash mob

It may be wishful thinking to say that spring has sprung with snow still popping up in the forecast, but I’m saying it anyway, spring is here!

To me spring means a lot more time outside! Don’t get me wrong – I love winter activities and getting out in the snow but I’m a warm weather gal at heart. Spring means it’s time to live and breathe the outdoors.

Spring also presents a great opportunity to get back into active transportation. The snow is melting and the sun is shining; it seems only logical to bust out your bike, boards, sneaks and blades!

I’m guessing you have an opportunity to choose an active form of transportation more than you think. How far is it to get to your school? Do you have a weekend or after school job? When you go to chill at a friend’s, how do you get there? Could you choose an active way to get there instead of driving? Do you?

Those are just a few examples of opportunities to choose active transportation with many more opportunities I didn’t mention that pop up on a regular basis. If choosing an active way to get yourself from point A to B isn’t normally your thing, I’m curious, why do you think that is? What makes you choose driving or getting dropped off over walking or biking?

At the recent Generation Action Youth Summit the participants identified some barriers to youth being physically active. They suggested time might be a factor, improper equipment (maybe you don’t have the right shoes or a bike), safety (maybe there aren’t any paths along a busy street you would need to use) or the youth team suggested that some people might just be lazy.

Saskatchewan in motion is all about identifying barriers to physical activity. We want to find out what stands in the way of people living active lifestyles, especially young people. Once you know what’s keeping you inactive you can change it for the better!

A great way to incorporate activity into your daily life (to help you meet daily physical activity requirements) is to choose an active way to get from place to place. But, what should you do if you want to choose active ways, or say, getting to school, but something like a dangerous road is in your way?

You should check out Active and Safe Routes to School! Green Communities Canada started the initiative to promote the use of active and efficient transportation to school. Not only does the program address health and traffic safety issues, it also encourages action on air pollution and climate change.

Check out the Active and Safe Routes website for resources, tools, information and links  to help you create an Active and Safe Routes program tailored to your area and needs.

If you’re an all season active transportation guru, it’s time to change tires and give your bike a tune up. 

Remember to always be safe out there, keep yourself protected by following the rules of the road, wearing safety gear,  keeping your equipment in good working order and making smart choices.

 See you out there!

Kenji