A total of 28 teams with a total of 511 runners achieved the impressive result of 105,914,510 steps. "The participants have thus set a strong example for active and sustainable mobility," says Wolfgang Bechtle, Head of Environment, Technology and Construction at the District Office.
Diverse events organized by the municipalities
In addition to the steps challenge, numerous events were held to get people moving and meeting up. The participating municipalities in the district offered various themed walks during the campaign period. Some "walking cafés" were organized by the district office itself. These included forest walks and a disaster prevention walk with the district fire chief. The offer from the social psychiatric and social medical service at the health department was particularly well attended: during the autumn walk with the therapy assistance dogs Owl and Cookie, participants were able to learn all about the role that these specially trained animals play in accompanying people with mental illnesses. Owl and Cookie can be present during difficult conversations and appointments, for example, and mirror people's feelings. Kim Ferring and Marion Mencke from the Social Psychiatric and Social Medical Service reported how their clients can often experience self-efficacy and mindfulness in the presence of the dogs. Of course, there was also time for treats and cuddles during the themed walk. The participants not only collected steps, but also unforgettable moments.
Background
The campaign took place as part of the #allesgeht pedestrian traffic initiative of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Fahrrad- und Fußverkehrsfreundlicher Kommunen in Baden-Württemberg e. V. (AGFK-BW) - a network of around 120 districts, cities and municipalities. With its Vision 2030, the association is committed to making active mobility so easy, safe and convenient that walking and cycling are the first choice.
