Detailed description (English): Monday 16th September: - Talk by a fitness instructor
This talk aims to combine two interesting facts: a healthier lifestyle and clean environment. The promotion of cycling and walking is beneficial as it results in a healthier lifestyle which can only be enjoyed thoroughly in a healthy environment free from cars and pollution. The increased use of bicycles and walking can help achieve both at the same time.
Tuesday 17th September: - A walk from Mqabba to Qrendi
In the evening, a walk will be organized from Mqabba Parish Square to Qrendi [l/o Maqluba] for all those interested. This will raise more awareness about the importance of walking the distance while at the same time enjoy the Maltese rural environment.
Wednesday 18th September: - An exhibition of electric cars and bicycles
Thursday 19th September: - Double Decker tour from Mqabba to Three Cities
A tour by a double-decker bus shall leave the village on a tour to the Three Cities. This activity aims to promote the local historical patrimony while at the same time foster the importance of ride-sharing for common better air quality.
Friday 20th September: - Pasta Night in the main village square
Mqabba’s parish square will be transformed into a recreational area which will welcome locals and anyone interested in an organized ‘Pasta Night’ accompanied with entertainment. Those attending will be encouraged to walk the distance to the parish square where the activity will resume. This aims to show the validity and importance of pedestrian zones in rural areas and how these can improve the quality of life for the locals both from an environmental and social point of views
Saturday 21st September: - Zumba for Kids
In the morning, the main square will be closed for traffic and in a family atmosphere, various activities will be organized. The main focus will be 2 hours of Zumba for kids and their parents
Sunday 22nd September: - Rodeo
In the morning, a talk and demonstration on road safety for the young generation shall take place in the square by LESA. It will mainly focus on the pedestrians’ safety namely traffic lights, zebra crossing and others. This will be followed by an informative talk about cycling education by a local cycling organisation which will mainly focus on cycling safety on the road while at the same time promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of movement from one place to another. A cycling rodeo [practical cycling] will also follow which will aim to encourage all participants especially children and youngsters to participate in this unique day in the calendar year to make use of the parish square freely while at the same time promote cycling for one’s future personal use.
Target group(s): Adults and children of all ages
Objectives: Save Walking and Cycling should be a lifestyle and not just an activity which takes place once a year. It should be the aim of every citizen no matter of one’s age as each citizen has an active role to play in the environmental and health challenges which our Island is facing every day. Through various activities being proposed for the week, especially allocating the busiest area in the village for free pedestrian use and promoting walking and cycling through various activities we believe that all the latter contribute to the overall theme selected for 2019: Safe Walking and Cycling.
Expected Outcomes: Educational and awareness campaigns about sustainable transport will target different age categories will help both the present and moreover the future generation to be well informed about alternative ways of travelling namely walking and cycling which offer both a healthy living as well as a safe and clean environment.