Website urges workers to ditch the car and use the trainers

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern would save 640 calories a day — simultaneously taking a kilogram of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere — if in 2008 he took advice from a new commuters’ website and walked to work.

The same new year’s resolution from Environment Minister John Gormley would account for 260 calories everyday and keep the equivalent of a drinks can of CO2 from the air.

This is according to the website onesmallstep.ie. It was set up to plot walking routes and travel plans for those who want to leave the car behind and walk to work.

With four simple steps on the keyboard Mr Ahern could plot the stroll from his home off Griffith Avenue, down Drumcondra Road and 53 minutes later arrive at Kildare Street 4.5km away.

The website estimates the walk would account for 320 calories one-way.

Mr Gormley could burn 130 calories in the 2.2km from Ringsend to the Custom House if he walked instead of cycling.

Meanwhile, across town, Health Minister Mary Harney would lose more than 600 calories if she opted to cycle the 18km from Newcastle to her office in Dublin 2.

And it is not just those sitting at cabinet who can benefit from the new route and calorie calculator.

The Dublin Transport Authority has launched the website for the benefit of travellers across the city to plan their journey by foot, pedal bike or public transport.

Director of the DTO John Henry said at a time when good intentions were on everybody’s lips the site is there to help promote cleaner and healthier options.

“The new year is the perfect time for Dublin’s car drivers to resolve to make a difference for themselves and the city.

“Walking, cycling or using public transport for at least one trip each week is easy to do and will have immediate benefits for everyone,” he said.

According to the site the route planners can also make a difference to people’s pockets. It estimates the cost of driving Mr Ahern’s 10km round trip everyday in Dublin is 3,000 a year.

Mr Henry said if everybody played a small part it would make a significant difference to congestion and pollution.

“If all drivers left their car behind for just one trip each week, there would be 200,000 fewer car trips every day in the Greater Dublin Area, less traffic and less pollution.

“By choosing to walk, cycle or take public transport commuters are reducing their carbon footprint, improving the quality of life in Dublin and benefiting their health,” he said.

www.onesmallstep.ie