Walking Maps launched for Belfast
18th July 2007: 
Transport Minister Conor Murphy has launched a new
initiative aimed at promoting walking in Belfast
A series of maps and leaflets have been produced showing the time it takes to walk from the City Hall, main bus centres and rail stations to key locations in the city centre.
The Minister said: “This initiative encourages people to consider walking and using public transport as an alternative to the car. The Walking Maps assist by identifying how long it will take on foot to reach many locations in Belfast, from key transport hubs.
"At this time of year many people are thinking about how they can improve their health. Walking more and using public transport in Belfast has a number of advantages. It not only benefits the environment, by reducing the number of cars on the road, but also brings significant benefits to your own health as walking is an excellent form of physical exercise that will assist with weight loss.
"Using alternative forms of transport is also a way that individuals can make a very positive contribution to the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy, which sets challenges for all of us to make our society more sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms.
"With growing levels of traffic congestion, increasing fuel costs and rising levels of obesity walking more and travelling by public transport can make sound health, environmental and financial sense.”
Translink Marketing Executive, Ciaran Rogan, gave his support to the initiative: “We all know that walking and the use of public transport can improve health. More and more people are taking this message on board and travelling on buses and trains. We hope these maps sited at Translink’s Belfast bus and rail station will help promote environmentally friendly travel solutions to the local community and prove beneficial to the growing number of tourists visiting the City.”
The maps will be located at the main bus centres and rail stations in Belfast. Leaflets are also available at information points in the city centre. They are also available on the Translink website.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Maps are located at Great Victoria Street Station/Europa Bus Centre, Central Station, Laganside Bus Centre and Botanic Station. Leaflets will also be available at information points in the city centre.
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