Stettler out-walked and biked Ponoka and Wainwright for the month of May in the Walk ‘n’ Roll Challenge but Wainwright has recently surged into the lead.
The Walk ‘n’ Roll Challenge is a friendly competition to see which town can register the most destinations reached via walking or biking, and leaving the vehicle at home. Monthly town winners will be announced and, as May’s winner, Stettler will receive the Walk ‘n’ Roll trophy and bragging rights on all media for the month.
Stettler may have won the month of May but as of June 17, Wainwright leads with 3,715 trips registered. Stettler has 3,271 and Ponoka 2,758. The challenge goes until Aug. 31.
After Stettler’s win last year, Ponoka has stated that they really don’t want that to happen again and are “out for friendly blood.” Wainwright is new this year but they are enthusiastic. So the challenge is on!
The mayors of the three towns have also waged a friendly side bet with the consequences to be determined. Last year, Ponoka had to wear Stettler junior hockey jerseys at their September council meeting.
Stettler area residents should register their trips at www.stettler.net . All that counts is that the resident has decided to walk or bike to a destination and leave his/her car at home that trip. The distance of the trip is not important. The “to” and “from” the destination count as two qualifying trips.
Registering is quick: your name, your town and the number of trips, preferably each week but anytime during each month is fine. Stettler participants will be eligible for a draw each week for a fun Walk ‘n’ Roll “I’m Just Less Driven” T-shirt. Winners to date are Diane Trenholm, Colleen Helgeton, Laura Norman, Greg Switenky and Sonya Geddes.
We know that Stettler already has lots of walkers and bikers out there, so please register your trips.
This program is not about going for a walk or bike ride for pure exercise. The goal of the challenge is to encourage residents to consider a habit of sometimes walking and biking as an easy means of transportation. Stettler is a very walkable and cyclable town. Distances are not great. The terrain is flat. And our trail system is excellent.
With the winning town being announced each month, we are hoping for a fun, friendly, back and forth competition as the summer progresses.
Walking and biking as a means of transportation is great for our health, great for the air that we breathe, and great for our planet.
The Walk ‘n’ Roll Challenge is spearheaded by Stettler’s Heartland Beautification Committee
For more information, contact stettlerbeautification@gmail.com or phone (403) 742-4411.
- Contributed