International walking advocate to speak in Hastings

International expert on walking, and thought provoking presenter, Dr Rodney Tolley is to speak in Hastings on Monday 26th November.

Dr Tolley has addressed major conferences in London, Vancouver and New York on the benefits of walking and how businesses, that are located on non pedestrian friendly shopping streets or in cities that have poor public transport options, risk losing trade. He believes that there is a strong business case for improving walking and cycling conditions in our major shopping centres.

Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says “Hastings iWay project is creating a strong walking and cycling culture around the district. We all ‘know’ that walking is good for us, in terms of reducing heart disease, obesity and improving fitness and mental health. However, Dr Tolley believes that by encouraging walking you can also introduce some powerful economic effects for business owners.

“It is now becoming more obvious that an urban renaissance is under way in many towns and cities around the world and Hastings is no different. iWay is focused on creating pedestrian-friendly urban areas that are safe and attractive for walkers and cyclists. This in turn will improve those areas for shoppers, visitors, workers and residents alike,” Cynthia Bowers says.

Cynthia Bowers says “We heard Dr Tolley speak in Hastings last year and he was truly inspirational. His return visit will be an opportunity to again focus on the things we can do to ensure the CBD remains a vibrant and vital part of the city. There is the potential to make some changes which will enhance the CBD and create economic benefits for our retailers.”  

This presentation will bring up to date information and statistics on the economic and other benefits of more people walking more often. Wine and nibbles will be served and there will be time for questions from the floor at the end of Dr Tolley’s presentation.

Everyone is welcome to attend the talk by Dr Rodney Tolley in the Shakespeare Room at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House on Monday 26th November at 5.30pm.To register and for more information go to www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/rodney.

iWay is a Hastings District Council initiative that aims to make walking and cycling easy, safe and fun.