Events, Transport »

This May, people across the UK will be leaving their cars at home and taking to their feet in the Great British Walking Challenge. National Walk to Work Week, 14-18 May, is one event taking place during the month long challenge which encourages commuters to walk their way to a health lifestyle.

With the latest figures showing that a quarter of UK adults are now classified as obese and government figures showing that we jump in the car for over a fifth of journeys shorter than one mile, local group Transition Worcester is urging commuters in Worcester to walk their way to a healthier, less carbon-intensive lifestyle during national Walk to Work Week.

 Is your workplace taking part in Walk to Work Week?  Why not encourage your colleagues to incorporate walking into their daily routine? Through the Living Streets website, everyone can log their walking miles, whether it is on the way to or from work, during their lunch break, or even as part of a walking meeting using a special online tool (www.livingstreets.org.uk). You can take part as an individual or as a business and there are lots of resources available.

 The University of Worcester are taking part, encouraging staff to walk to work rather than driving. Last year, there was an excellent response from the Sanctuary Group, which has its head office in Worcester – they logged nearly 1000 miles across the whole organisation!

 Walking all or part of your commute is an excellent way to get some activity into your day, doing wonders for both your mental and physical health.  It may not take as long as you think either – pedestrians don’t need to worry about one way streets or traffic jams! It’s also great for the environment.

 The Walk to Work Campaign is run by Living Streets, funded by the Big Lottery Fund. Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said “We are urging everyone to give walking a go during Walk to Work Week this year. We think you’ll be amazed at what a difference a short blast of fresh air can do for you. That time spent away from your inbox will break up your day and improve your productivity once your return.”