AS THE lockdown eases and we move back to travelling regularly for work or leisure purposes, it is worth considering what journeys can be made by walking or cycling. So called ‘Active Travel’ – the new phrase for walking and cycling – fulfils the twin objectives of improving health and well-being, while also reducing emissions which harm people’s health
and fuel climate change.
If you use the bus, could you get off a stop early to walk the rest of your journey? Could you take a relaxing stroll home, or hop on a bike and enjoy a cycle friendly route? You might have noticed changes to pavements in the area where new cycle routes have been created to enable you to maintain social distance and stay safe. If you didn’t get (back) on your bike during the quiet period and feel a bit nervous now the roads are busier, HSBC UK Let’s Ride has some fantastic resources and free events to help you build up your cycling confidence, including women-only bike rides (see www.letsride.co.uk/breeze) and games to help your child learn to ride (www.readysetride.co.uk).
Cycling charity Sustrans has also created an interactive map to help key workers find bike offers and services in their area (if that’s you or someone that you know).
See www.sustrans.org.uk/space-to-move
If you prefer exploring outdoors on foot, check your local friendly Ramblers group – website
www.ramblers.org.uk
Adapted from an item in the A Rocha August eNews
