Lord Mayor Clover Moore is encouraging Sydneysiders to walk to work on Friday 5 October for national Walk to Work Day.
Now in its 20th year, Walk to Work Day will see thousands of people across Australia commuting by foot. The fundraiser for Diabetes Australia aims to improve physical, mental and social health across the country.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said walking is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to travel, especially in the city.
"More than 90 per cent of trips in the city area are on foot and we are working to make walking easier and more pleasant," the Lord Mayor said.
"If you're able to, walking to work is an excellent way to increase activity in your day and explore local streets, parks and public spaces along the way."
The City of Sydney will partner with Diabetes NSW on Walk to Work Day with a pop-up event on Glebe foreshore near Bridge Road between 7:30am and 9am, to coincide with the morning commute. People walking will receive free health assessments, walking maps, shoelaces and a morning cup of coffee.
Sturt Eastwood, CEO of Diabetes NSW & ACT, said walking daily is one of the best ways to prevent type 2 diabetes.
"Doctors diagnose around 1.3 million Australians with diabetes each year, which can lead to stroke, loss of vision, kidney damage, heart disease and amputation," Mr Eastwood said.
"But most people don't realise a balanced diet and regular walking can help delay and even prevent type 2 diabetes in up to 60% of cases.
"We know not everyone can walk all the way to work, but it's easy to get off the bus, train, tram or ferry a few stops earlier and walk part of the way, or take a half-hour stroll during your lunchbreak.
For more information about Walk to Work Day or to donate to Diabetes Australia, visit walk.com.au
For further details, contact City of Sydney Media Officer Mark Ames on 02 9246 7395, mobile 0477 705 407 or email mames@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, phone 02 8974 4165 or email media@clovermoore.com.au