Using active transport benefits your health and the environment..

Using active transport methods can benefit your health and the environment

A group of ten students and staff are currently taking part in a new study to promote active transport at Monash University.  The study was launched during the University’s recent Sustainable Transport Month.

The study, which will run until the end of January 2010, has been initiated by the University’s Office of Environmental Sustainability in partnership with Monash Sport and Health and Wellbeing department. The study aims to promote active transport to and from the participants’ place of work or study as part of an overall health and fitness improvement program.

One of the participants, Keran Fegan who works at Monash Caulfield Campus, said when applying for the study:

‘The program will give me an opportunity to improve my fitness level while reviewing my current method of getting to work. Travelling to work by train is possible for me and this program will give me the incentive to change my behaviour and ultimately reduce my carbon foot print.’

Participants have received:

• An initial comprehensive health and fitness assessment
• An individual fitness program incorporating active transport to and from their campus
• Membership of Monash Sport facilities
• Loan of a bicycle, helmet and lights

In a couple of weeks time the participants will undergo another, slightly less rigorous, fitness assessment to see how far they have come!  At the end of the study the participants will undergo a final comprehensive health and fitness assessment to measure the success of the program.

Each week the participants will track their progress on their blog, as well as share with the Monash community their fitness, wellbeing and environmental footprint progress.  You will be able to email the participants messages of support or questions about fitting active transport into their day.  Go to www.sport.monash.edu.au/active-transport-study

If you would like more information about this topic please call Clare Davey, Sustainable Transport Officer at Monash University at 03 9905 9321or email clare.davey@adm.monash.edu.au

Participant details: