A grassroots group aims to get people walking instead of using their car during May.
ReThink Red Deer, a group of more than 200 members interested in smart urban planning, is planning summer street activities starting in May.
Organizer Lorne Daniel said the intent is to encourage personal, environmental and community health through fun outdoor activities.
“If we try to ‘put the car away for May’ we can improve our health, reduce our carbon footprint and reconnect with one another on the streets.”
First on tap is an evening showing of videos from Street Films, an organization that chronicles the creative uses of streets in cities across North and South America. The free event will be at Red Deer College’s Margaret Parsons Theatre on Monday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Viewers will have the chance to talk about similar opportunities here.
Bike and Walk to Work Week will run from May 17 to 23 and will feature corporate challenges.
City of Red Deer is sponsoring Bike to Work Breakfast on Thursday, May 21. Summer Active Noon Walk will happen on Tuesday, May 26, Primary Care Network sponsoring.
Wipe-Out Ski and Bike will sponsor group cycling rides in May.
“We want to emphasize fun events,” Daniel said.
Organizations, companies and individuals are encouraged to create their own activities or challenges to add to the mix. These may include charity fundraisers, retail discount promotions and neighbourhood block parties.
A wide range of groups have come on board with the project, including the City of Red Deer, RCMP and RDC Green Campus.
Daniel said the May activities are a pilot project and if there is interest, then more events are likely through the summer.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com