International walking guru vists Nelson

International walking guru Rodney Tolley will be in Nelson and Marlborough at the end of the week as the guest of the DHB initiated Nutrition and Physical Activity programme (NPA).

It¹s the third visit to the region from Dr Tolley, who has taught and researched sustainable transport at Staffordshire University for over 30 years, is the author of the 'bible' on the subject, 'The Greening of Urban Transport¹, and is the director of Walk21, a global partnership aiming to plan for pedestrians rather than cars, to achieve economic, social and health benefits.

NPA Nelson Programme Manager Richard Butler said Dr Tolley would be meeting with council planners and engineers and presenting to the Marlborough and Tasman councils on walking and active transport. ³Rodney is a real inspiration ­ he genuinely walks the talk.

It¹s exciting for a provincial area like Nelson Marlborough to host someone with his international experience and knowledge.² Mr Butler said while the Nelson Marlborough region is already a good place for walking, the challenge is to make it even more attractive for walkers.

After Dr Tolley¹s last visit the Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, Marlborough District Council and Nelson City Council all signed up to the Walk 21 International Charter for walking.

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