Doug Ward
Sun
Walking enthusiasts are being invited to add their favourite routes to Walk BC’s interactive online map. — CNS FILES
Walk BC is launching an interactive online map that provides information on walking routes across the province.
The map, located on Walk BC’s website, provides a description of each route, including its location, distance, level of difficulty, safety and access to amenities.
“It will be a one-stop shop for information on walking in every community in the province,” said Eva Robinson, manager of the BC Recreation and Parks Association.
Robinson said demand for an online map came from recreation departments and from walk leaders trained by the two-year-old Walk BC organization.
“Walking is the safest and easiest way to get people to include exercise in their daily lives,” Robinson said.
“Anybody can walk so long as they’re mobile, whether it’s your 80-year-old grandmother or your five-year-old.”
Walk BC is a joint initiative of the BC Recreation and Parks Association and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC &Yukon.
The map, located at www.walkbc.ca,already includes data provided by a hired researcher and by walking groups.
But Walk BC is urging walkers across the province to contribute information on routes in their areas, by entering data into a survey included on its website.
“This is a push to get members of the public to detail their favourite walks,” Robinson said.
The map will be powered by Google and will be able to help people find routes that fit their physical abilities.
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun