Bus driver takes route to health via new initiative

Hastings man Christopher Candy has lost weight walking to work and is pushing himself further for signing up for Trip Switch.

Having lost almost 5kg in two weeks by simply walking to work, Hastings man Christopher Candy was keen to sign up for some extra motivation.

Long hours driving buses meant it was difficult to find time for exercise, but since making a decision to ditch the car and walk 3km to work and back again, Mr Candy has noticed some big changes.

When he got word of Trip Switch, a new week-long Hastings District Council campaign which encourages people to ditch their usual mode of transport in favour of biking or walking, he didn't hesitate.

"I have lost a lot of weight, people have noticed it and that made me feel really good," he said. Seeing the difference in himself, Mr Candy was also improving his diet.

"We have just been out to buy lots of veges, there's no point walking and then gorging on burgers."

Registrations close today for the Trip Switch challenge, which asks that entrants try to walk or cycle on Hawke's Bay's extensive iWay tracks at least once a day for seven days in a row, starting now.

"My partner and I were just talking about going for walks to take in the scenery, eventually we want to get a bike rack for the truck and cycle on the pathways."

"Being a bus driver I work some late shifts so I plan to get a push bike to ride, so I can get home a bit faster but still fit in that exercise."

To sign up go to: www.tripswitch.co.nz