Dear Subscriber,

PCAL wishes you a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

This bulletin reports up-to-date news and research of interest to people who want to promote active living choices in NSW. Previous bulletins are archived on the PCAL website.

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The NSW Government has released its Metropolitan Plan to guide Sydney's development over the next 25 years. The plan includes a commitment to develop a NSW Walking Strategy, a target to locate 80% of all new housing within the walking catchments of centres and to use Workplace Travel Plans to encourage more sustainable travel behaviour. 

The NSW Premier has requested the preparation of a NSW Walking Strategy to address walking for transport as well as recreation. Development of the strategy is being managed by a whole-of-government steering group Chaired by PCAL. The strategy is expected to be ready for release for public comment in early 2011.

The health of the people of New South Wales - Report of the Chief Health Officer Summary Report (2010) provides key information on the status of the health of our community, current challenges and trends. A special topic on Urbanism and Health has also been included for the first time.

In an attempt to combat obesity, a new UK Government scheme will provide school children with shopping vouchers and cinema tickets as an incentive to walk to and from school.

To develop BikeScore.com, WalkScore.com has created a forum asking the question "What are the most important factors to include in a BikeScore calculation"? Go to http://www.bikescore.com/ to particpate.

A recent comparison of the BikeShare schemes of Paris and Melbourne has identified a number of key reasons why the Paris system has been more popular than Melbourne's including; no mandatory bike helmets, more bikes and more bicycle infrastructure.

The Swedish designed Hovding is an airbag for cyclists. The Hovding is worn around the neck and inflates around the cyclists head on impact. 

The Cancer Council is offering one off grants of up to $20 000 to assist NSW Councils implement Alive and Well initiatives including active living projects. The new Alive and Well Resource Guide provides detailed information to support local councils implement a range of cancer prevention inititiaves including healthy eating and active living.