Linking Health & Travel

Our over reliance on the car is a contributor to the sedentary lifestyle that is leading to a national obesity epidemic and many related health problems. Stress caused by frustration and lateness through being regularly stuck in traffic congestion on the daily commute to work can further add to ill health.

Over 60% of men and 75% of women are not getting the recommended 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week. Foresight predicts that by 2050, 60% of men and 50% of women could be obese. Therefore finding another way to travel to work, not only reduces congestion and carbon emissions, but also helps you build exercise into your daily routine and enjoy the local environment, rather than spending time and money going to the gym.

You may be surprised how much ground you can cover walking or cycling. On average adults will walk a mile in just under 20 minutes and cycle up to 4 miles in 30 minutes in a town environment.

Have you thought about?

Finding a car share partner who you can walk or cycle to meet or who can drop you off 15 minutes away from your work place?
Car sharing with someone, parking outside of town and walking to work together.
If you would like some company and support why not use the walkBUDi or cycleBUDi matching system to find a walker or cyclist to travel to work with.
Walking or cycling all the way to work, particularly if you live within a few miles of your work place, you could easily beat the traffic and arrive more quickly!
Combining walking at the beginning or end of a bus journey.
Getting off the bus a few stops earlier and walk the last bit, it could save you money too!
Combining walking or cycling at the beginning or end of a train journey. Many stations have secure, covered cycle parking areas. Trains will often allow you to take your bicycle or perhaps you could invest in a fold up bicycle, which can be stored in the hand luggage areas of a train or bus.

Obesity is also on the increase in children, again with strong links to sedentary lifestyles, could you link the school run with some of the ideas above to encourage your children to walk or cycle more? Why not ask your child's school what they are doing as part of their Travel Plan to reduce children arriving by car. It could help your new travelling regime.

For advice and support on all aspects of health contact Colchester Cornerstone on 01206 861950 or visit them at 5-7 Sir Isaacs Walk. Colchester Cornerstone
Cornerstone also have information on local 'Health Walks'.

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