Walking
Why Walk?
Over 25% of all journeys annually are made on foot - no matter what your primary mode of transport for any particular journey, part of it will usually be made on foot. Walking is a natural, convenient and enjoyable activity available to all but the severely disabled. Unfortunately, with the growth of private car ownership and traffic congestion, walking has seen a general decline over the years. This decline in regular physical activity across all age ranges, including children, is posing problems for the National Health Service both now and in the future.
Over 25% of all journeys annually are made on foot - no matter what your primary mode of transport for any particular journey, part of it will usually be made on foot. Walking is a natural, convenient and enjoyable activity available to all but the severely disabled. Unfortunately, with the growth of private car ownership and traffic congestion, walking has seen a general decline over the years. This decline in regular physical activity across all age ranges, including children, is posing problems for the National Health Service both now and in the future.
Benefits
Health
Walking is a very convenient way of improving/maintaining fitness whilst going about your daily business. For short to medium distances of up to 1 mile, whether going shopping, taking a stroll during your lunch hour, or interconnecting with other modes of transport, walking is an excellent way of getting regular exercise. Walking frequently at a brisk pace reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Regular physical activity also contributes to a sense of well-being and promotes confidence and independence, especially with the younger and older generations.
Walking is a very convenient way of improving/maintaining fitness whilst going about your daily business. For short to medium distances of up to 1 mile, whether going shopping, taking a stroll during your lunch hour, or interconnecting with other modes of transport, walking is an excellent way of getting regular exercise. Walking frequently at a brisk pace reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Regular physical activity also contributes to a sense of well-being and promotes confidence and independence, especially with the younger and older generations.
Environment
Walking is the most sustainable form of transport having very little negative impact on the environment. If people can be encouraged (for their own benefit) to consider making more of their journeys by foot, then there will be less cars on the roads. Fewer cars on the roads will mean less congestion and pollution and improve the environment for those walking and cycling. Further, the more people there are walking/frequenting a particular area or route the more secure people tend to feel.
Walking is the most sustainable form of transport having very little negative impact on the environment. If people can be encouraged (for their own benefit) to consider making more of their journeys by foot, then there will be less cars on the roads. Fewer cars on the roads will mean less congestion and pollution and improve the environment for those walking and cycling. Further, the more people there are walking/frequenting a particular area or route the more secure people tend to feel.
Convenience/Accessibility
In urban environments, for short journeys of say
a mile or less, walking can be a lot quicker than travelling by
car. In built up areas with junctions, roundabouts traffic lights
and one-way systems, journeys in cars at peak times can be time
consuming and frustrating. Walking routes on the other hand tend to
be direct, continuous and relatively uncongested.