Portage Active Transportation representatives presented this week at the Rotary Club luncheon and shared highlights of their activities throughout the city.

"We're very excited about creating active transportation opportunities and networks in Portage," says chair Ann Marie MacIntyre. "All of this kind of connects. We're building the paths, and creating more accessibility to many different areas in town. This year we've completed paths from 8th Street NW to 18th Street NW, and the McKay and Gigot area."

She says you're now able to walk or bike on all of those paths, and they're now looking at connecting access to food sellers from the north-end, down to Walmart.

MacIntyre says they're not only about bikes, although several biking projects were undertaken. She notes they started a bike repair shop that started at the Active Transportation committee meeting and partnered with CMHA to develop it from their building. They also work with the paths for walking and roller-blading. She describes it as more about lifestyle and healthy choices.

Retired teacher Heather Bruce adds they're always looking for new members to join the Active Transportation committee. They meet the third Wednesday of the month during lunch at Tornado's Restaurant. She adds the Bike Week committee's also open for help. Their Facebook page is entitled Portage Active Transportation and contains information and a place to leave a message.