Walk 'it'

Walking is in steady decline as car dependence grows, yet walking is a vital, but often neglected means of getting about.

Walking has many health benefits, and can also generate an overall feeing of well-being, relax you and stimulate your thinking. In heavy traffic jams, the air quality inside a car can be poorer than that outside. Car users suffer up to 3 times more pollution than pedestrians*.

Walking reduces traffic congestion. 25% of car trips are less than 2 miles** and the majority of trips under one mile are on foot, but the proportion is gradually going down as more people take to their cars for short trips. The consequence is ever more local congestion, and ever more challenging conditions for walking.

If your journey is short, and you have nothing heavy to carry, then why not walk. Walking is an exercise that most people can do, you don't need any specialist equipment, there's no cost involved, and you can set yourself a pace that suits you.

Get walking

• A mile will take approx 20 minutes, though this would depend on your pace. If you live about 1 mile to work or the shops then why not give it a go?

• Join in with one of the lunchtime walks led by rangers from Lancashire County Council's Countryside Service which will be happening during the campaign week. So why not take a break, take part and keep fit? See the events pages for further details

• We know that it can be difficult for car-reliant adults to change the habits of a lifetime, but we can teach our children to learn good habits whilst they are young. If you have children, do you ferry them everywhere in the car, or do you encourage them to walk sometimes when it is safe to do so? Many schools get involved with the Walk to School campaign where schemes are set up and children are educated about road safety and envionmental issues. Find out more about Walk to School Week.

Our Strategy for Walking

Lancashire County Council's Local Transport Plan 2001/02 - 2005/06 sets out, amongst other things, the cycling strategy for the county. View the walking section of the Plan (PDF 2.81MB).

Road Safety and Walking

Road safety is important for pedestrians and cyclists and should not be ignored. Due to the increase of traffic on our roads, there is potentially more danger for pedestrians and cyclists. Remember:

• Use pavements and footpaths

• Where there are no pavements and footpaths, walk on the right hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic.

• Be seen in the dark; wear something reflective and brightly coloured

• Teach your children the Green Cross Code. Many children cannot judge how fast vehicles are going or how far away they are. Children learn by example, so parents and carers should always use the Code in full when out with their children. They are responsible for deciding at what age children can use it safely by themselves.

(*Source; Environmental Transport Association, **Department for Transport)