The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has urged residents to leave their cars at home during June and join the 2026 Active Travel Challenge.

The free online campaign promotes walking, cycling, running and public transport for daily journeys including commutes, school runs and shopping.

McHugh said the district's greenway network and Translink services provide more options than before, and that small changes could improve health, reduce emissions and benefit communities.

The challenge is run with Translink, the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, the Public Health Agency, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Council, Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Western Health and Social Care Trust, with support from the Department for Infrastructure.

Translink Service Delivery Manager Alan Young said last year's participation was the highest since 2019 and that every car journey replaced by active travel cuts emissions and improves air quality.

Public Health Agency Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Maurice Meehan said the scheme helps people build movement into daily routines and supports both physical and mental health.

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Northern Ireland Head Claire Pollock said small daily changes can lead to lasting habits and that participants often find active travel easier and more enjoyable than expected.

Residents can register at atc.getmeactive.org.uk.