As a kick-off to the "Burn Fat Not Fuel" initiative tomorrow, Minister of Health Nelson Bascome yesterday rode his pedal bike from his home in Pembroke to work.

In an effort to encourage Bermudians to participate in the effort to promote healthier lifestyles for individuals and the environment, Mr. Bascome got the ball rolling by riding his bicycle into Hamilton via Parsons Road during a light rain shower.

The Minister told attendees at the Argus Health Fair: "This morning I had to do a quick shoot on the Burn Fat not Fuel day which meant we had to pedal to work. Well many of you can see I am in a suit right now, which means I had to do a quick change. But the pores are open and I am sweating a bit."

Other Government officials are also abandoning their motorised vehicles tomorrow, with Junior Minister for Transport Sen. Wayne Caines walking into Hamilton from Warwick Academy where his daughter goes to school.

"Burn Fat not Fuel" Day is being organised by the Departments of Transport and Health, in an effort to encourage the public to leave their cars at home and walk, run or bike into work to save on fossil fuels. Buses and ferries will also be free that day.

Capital G Bank has joined the initiative with more than two dozen of their employees participating.

Head of the Civil Service, Major Kenneth Dill, who will be walking to work from Southampton and catching the bus home at the end of the day, has encouraged all civil servants to do the same.

However, the Bermuda Industrial Union has warned there may not be sufficient public transport for everyone.

President Chris Furbert yesterday urged members of the public to be patient in using public transport.

Mr. Furbert said: "The membership is concerned there will not be enough buses available for people, that because of this initiative there may not be enough transportation for everybody.

"But we want to tell the public that our members will do what they can to provide the service which we provide year-round.

"We have some concerns but in principle the Union supports this initiative on Friday. We need to make sure it is as successful as it will be.

"I am also asking the public to not take out any frustrations on my members or pilots."

Mr. Furbert said that Premier Dr. Ewart Brown has told him he is talking to the Employers Council to ask businesses to be more lenient with working hours on Friday.

President of Bus Operators and Allied Workers, Glenn Simmons, said public transport providers do not know how many extra vehicles will be needed on the roads to provide a service to the anticipated extra passengers, but said: "That 15 minute bus service will be supported by other services as well, for example when one bus leaves, you'll get another bus soon after it."

He said: "Everything is going to go with the flow."

Public transport providers say that as the public schools are on holiday, this will enable extra bus drivers to be on call.

For more information go to www.health.gov.bm or call the Health Promotion Office on 278-6504, or email on healthpromotion@gov.bm.

Is your company participating in "Burn Fat nor Fuel" day? Please email mpearman@royalgazette.bm with your story.