For the past 11 years Institute of Public Health County of Međimurje in Croatia has been promoting active and sustainable commuting. The campaign called “To work, gathering and recreation…by foot or by bike” is encouraging adult Croatians to do just that instead of using cars.

The project is part of the European Mobility Week and various public health campaigns. In 2012 it became a part of the NowWeMOVE campaign, and in 2015 it joined the NowWeBike campaign. In 2019, it is about to join forces with the international Open Streets Day.

This year “To work, gathering and recreation…by foot or by bike” takes place from 9-29 September and invites everyone to participate. The intention of the project is to get people more physically active by encouraging them to cycle and walk. The campaign takes a form of a competition through which the participants can win different prizes.

One completes the challenge by being active for at least 3 days every week, adding up to at least 150 minutes of physical activity. The winner receives a bicycle, the runner-up wins a sport watch, and those who come third, fourth and fifth get a sport jacket, a bicycle helmet and a pedometer. All participants who meet the requirements of the competition are rewarded with a one-day ticket to enjoy Čakovec City Pools, and 10 other participants can win safety equipment for walkers and cyclists (reflective tape and vest, lights and bicycle bells).

Visit this page to get inspired by all the registered Open Streets Day events that are activating cities this September. There is still time to organise your own!

The concept of Open Streets Day is a celebration of movement, healthy lifestyle and creativity, so we encourage you to keep your city active all year round.