Thousands Take Steps Toward Better Air Quality, Less Traffic

Metro Atlanta Walk There Challenge Concludes; Participants Log More than 264 Million Steps

Clear Air Campaign Press Release

ATLANTA, GA — 05.10.06

During the month of April, more than 4,300 people across metro Atlanta put on pedometers and competed to see who could walk the most steps. By walking to get lunch, run errands and exercise, participants logged an impressive 264 million steps – enough to get to Los Angeles and back 30 times.

“The Metro Atlanta Walk There Challenge was a great success,” said Ellen Macht, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign.“Thousands of people used their feet instead of their cars to make short trips, which is a habit that we should all get into. Not only does it help keep off extra weight, but it also keeps pounds of pollutants out of the air -- and that’s good for everyone’s health.”

The top walkers from 11 areas throughout the region will get some well-deserved rest as they enjoy weekend getaways at Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport, DoubleTree Hotel Buckhead, Hotel Indigo, the Glenn Hotel and The Westin Peachtree Plaza.

Metro Atlanta Walk There Challenge Winners (and presenting employer service organization):

Linda Abercrombie, The Clean Air Campaign
Delonso Barnes, Buckhead Area Transportation Management Association
Walter Bridges, CobbRides
Patricia Britt, Hartsfield Area Transportation Management Association
Nancy DeLoatch, Commuter Club
Jason Horner, Perimeter Transportation Coalition
Todd Lane, Midtown Transportation Solutions
Alana Long, Downtown Transportation Management Association
Terri Lynn Phillips, Clifton Corridor Transportation Management Association
Carolyn Richardson, Downtown Transportation Management Association
Barry Simpson, The Clean Air Campaign

Depending on stride, most people cover a mile in 2,000 steps.Though studies suggest that 10,000 steps per day is a good ballpark goal, many Atlantans are more likely to find themselves in the range of 900 to 3000 steps per day. Winners of the Metro Atlanta Walk There Challenge regularly logged many times that number by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking to the grocery store, walking the golf course and even walking to work.

The Metro Atlanta Walk There Challenge is a region-wide event drawing on the strengths of the 10 organizations in metro Atlanta working to reduce traffic congestion by increasing the use of commute alternatives. These organizations include The Clean Air Campaign, ASAP+, Buckhead Area TMA, Clifton Corridor TMA, CobbRides, Commuter Club, Downtown TMA, Hartsfield Area TMA, Midtown Transportation Solutions and the Perimeter Transportation Coalition.

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About The Clean Air Campaign The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with Georgia employers, commuters and schools to encourage actions that result in reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. To accomplish this goal, The Clean Air Campaign offers assistance to 400 employers to design and implement commute alternative programs; protects public health through the issuance of Smog Alert notifications; offers targeted incentives to commuters and employers; and works with elementary and middle schools to empower children to play a positive role in reducing traffic and cleaning the air. For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR or visit cleanaircampaign.com.

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About Transportation Management Associations

There are nine regional Transportation Management Associations (TMA) in the region. A partnership of employers, developers and public agencies, TMAs respond to existing traffic congestion and or access problems. Metro Atlanta’s TMAs work with employers and property managers in some of the region’s highest density areas. The nine TMAs in the region are:

ASAP+ (Atlantic Station Access + Mobility Program) – www.asap-plus.com

Buckhead Area TMA (BATMA) – www.batma.org

Clifton Corridor TMA – www.cctma.com

CobbRides – www.cobbrides.com

Commuter Club – www.commuterclub.com

Downtown TMA – www.atlantadowntown.com

Hartsfield TMA – www.hatma.org

Midtown Transportation Solutions – www.midtownalliance.org

Perimeter Transportation Coalition – www.perimetergo.org

Media Contact:
Tracy Paden/Keith Aikens
404.816.2037