Testimonials of iCANwalk Prize Winners
“I got involved because I am a teacher that is passionate about the Active and Safe Routes to School and iCANwalk initiatives that my school is working on with the Town of
Ann Fenton
“I heard about the iCANwalk campaign from two different bicycle groups I ride with in the summer. As an avid touring cyclist, I am delighted that these efforts are being made to ensure awareness and co-operation between motorists and cyclists, as well as pedestrians and other forms of active transportation. When I cannot be on my bike, I do also enjoy walking. Since work is only a 15 to 20 minute walk away, I try to avoid using my car to get there as much as possible.”
Nynka Greer
“I am a working mom of a young child, and finding time and money to join gyms and other various support groups to exercise is just not an option. I wanted to do something to help keep fit, but there are just not enough hours in the day to fit this in and so I had to find a way to build this into my day or it was not going to happen. I decided I was not going to park in my building parking lot any longer and instead arranged to park at a location that was one mile away from my office, so that I had no choice but to commit and walk each day to and from work; regardless of weather. I now spend less money on parking and have built the exercise into my day - twice!”
Doreen Do Couto
“I belong to lots of eco-friendly and green action groups and mailing lists, so I'm sure that the link came from one of them some time ago. Since I strongly believe the future will be better for all of us, both as individuals and as a society, if we walk more and ride bikes more, I entered my pledge. It was not just a goal for myself but to show participation with the others who have pledged as well.”
Sue Carduelis
“I heard about the pledge through an email I received about it to see if I could promote it on my website Quinte Corners. I decided that if I was going to promote it, I may as well take the pledge myself. I run my own childcare business, and thought it was a great idea to not only participate, but to also get 'my kids' out and about within the community. Although I don't own a car, this was a way for me to get active, and not rely on others for transportation around the area.”
Pam McRae
“I work at the Hastings and Prince Edward Health Unit. My colleagues told me about the challenge. I decided to join because my earlier pattern of walking to work had slipped away. I moved to a new house last spring, further from work, and I ended up driving most of the time. The challenge helped me consider new options, and I decided to start cycling to work. Making a commitment helped me stick to it, and I averaged cycling 3 times per week. I like to exercise on the way to work; I arrive refreshed, and then feel good by the time I get home. Somewhere, I heard it said that active transportation provides opportunity for "everyday adventures", and that is my experience- watching the changes in the river I travel along, from season to season, watching birds, looking at the sky. These are experiences I miss when traveling in the car. And I like to know I am reducing my carbon footprint. I also like the fact that I get my daily exercise in en-route. I arrive at work, and I already know I have done something good for my physical well-being that day, and it can't be taken from me!”
Bernadette Hymus