Countdown begins for the 2025 Active Travel Challenge across Northern Ireland

L-R: Callie Persic, Development Manager at Belfast City Council, Stephen Wilson, Head of Strategic Engagement, Public Health Agency, Dianne Whyte, Active Travel Officer, Sustrans, Chris Conway, Translink Group CEO, Claire Pollock, Head of Sustrans NI, Bryan Nelson, Co-Director of Public Health, Belfast Trust, and Sharan Dustagheer, Active Travel Team, Department for Infrastructure.

Individuals, businesses and organisations across Northern Ireland are urged to take part in this year’s Active Travel Challenge, a free initiative launching on 1st June 2025 to promote greener, healthier ways to travel.

With climate concerns and public health high on the agenda, the 2025 Active Travel Challenge invites participants to leave the car at home throughout June in favour of walking, cycling, wheeling or public transport.

The initiative, now a staple in Northern Ireland’s sustainable transport calendar, is delivered in partnership by Translink, the Department for Infrastructure, Public Health Agency (PHA), Sustrans, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, and Belfast City Council.

Participants can register and log their journeys at atc.getmeactive.org.uk, where each journey contributes not only to a more sustainable future but also enters them into prize draws.

Building on Last Year’s Success

The 2024 challenge saw remarkable engagement, with over 1,400 individuals logging more than 21,000 active journeys. The environmental impact was significant, with an estimated 13 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided.

Speaking ahead of this year’s launch, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA said:

“Investing in cleaner and greener transport is one of my department’s seven Foundations for a Better Future. Signing up to the Active Travel Challenge this June is a great way to start making little changes in how we travel. Choosing to walk, wheel or cycle for shorter everyday journeys, and combining this with public transport for longer trips, is good for the environment and helps us build a healthier body and mind.

“I would like to build on the success of the 2024 challenge which had over 1,400 participants and over 21,000 active journeys logged and would encourage employers and individuals to register and start making a difference today.”

Benefits Beyond Carbon Reduction

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, also highlighted the wider health and environmental advantages:

“It is great to see this initiative growing year on year encouraging more people to give sustainable and active travel a go. Last year’s challenge saw an impressive collective saving of around 13 tonnes (13,000kg) of CO₂ emissions helping reduce congestion and improve air quality. Research shows that people who take public transport are more active, clocking up more steps, helping support physical and mental wellbeing.

“We look forward to playing our part in this annual challenge, working together to create a healthier society and more sustainable future for everyone.”

With public health a core objective, the Public Health Agency sees the challenge as an ideal way to integrate activity into everyday life. Aidan Dawson, PHA Chief Executive, commented:

“The Active Travel Challenge gives everyone the opportunity to look at ways we can incorporate physical activity into our daily routines. Getting more active can help us maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep quality and help reduce anxiety and the risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. As well as all that, it can also boost your mental health and wellbeing.

“The PHA would encourage everyone across Northern Ireland to take part in the Active Travel Challenge to benefit your mental and physical wellbeing and help our planet by reducing your carbon footprint.”

Making Healthier Travel the Easy Choice

Claire Pollock, Head of Sustrans Northern Ireland, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the accessibility of active travel:

“The Active Travel Challenge is a great opportunity for people to leave the car behind and choose walking, cycling and public transport options instead. We encourage everyone to make the change to a healthier lifestyle that will also benefit the environment.”

With support from multiple public and civic bodies, the initiative demonstrates a region-wide commitment to tackling carbon emissions, improving public health, and reimagining daily travel.

How to Get Involved

• Visit atc.getmeactive.org.uk

• Register as an individual, team, or workplace

• Log your journeys throughout June

• Be in with a chance to win exciting prizes!