Why get involved?

Because one small step becomes one giant leap if we all start walking away from obesity and heart disease and pedalling our way towards a low carbon world. Don’t despair if walking the whole way isn’t an option. You can walk to the bus stop or cycle to the railway station. Walking at both ends of a longer journey gives you all the benefits, and you get to read that book you’ve always wanted to in-between.

Active travel by walking and cycling (skateboarding and pogo sticks count too!) to work, the shops and Grandma’s for Sunday dinner will help you stay healthy and fit and save you money; the average car running costs are just over £2500 pounds a year, or £208 a month.

For good health, it is recommended that:

• Adults should do at least 30 minutes a day of at least moderate intensity physical activity on five or more days of the week.
• Children should achieve a total of at least 60 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity each day. 

The good thing is that active travel can be built into your day.

Commuting by walking or bike is great for your health, giving you a low-impact workout twice a day, so it can help you keep your weight down. According to the government regular exercise like walking and cycling also halve your chances of suffering from heart disease, and help to prevent strokes, diabetes, and some kinds of cancer. Your blood pressure and resting heart rate will be lower, and you’ll feel more awake and less stressed.