Walking and cycling aren’t just good for your health. They can also save you money, improve your wellbeing and help create cleaner, quieter neighbourhoods.
You don’t have to walk or cycle everywhere to enjoy the benefits. Even swapping a few shorter car journeys each week can make a positive difference.
Improve your physical health
Regular walking and cycling can help improve your fitness, strengthen your heart and reduce the risk of developing health conditions such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
They’re also great ways to build physical activity into your daily routine without needing to make extra time for exercise.
Whether you’re walking to the shops, cycling to work or heading out for a weekend ride, every bit of activity helps.
Boost your mental wellbeing
Getting outdoors and being active can help reduce stress, improve your mood and support better sleep.
Walking or cycling can also be a pleasant way to start or finish your working day, giving you time to unwind or enjoy your surroundings.
For shorter journeys, travelling actively may even be more enjoyable than sitting in traffic or searching for a parking space.
Save money
Walking is free, while cycling can be a low-cost way to get around once you have a bike and the equipment you need.
Choosing to walk or cycle instead of driving can help you save on fuel, parking and other vehicle running costs.
If you’re thinking about buying a bike, it’s also worth checking whether your employer offers a Cycle to Work scheme, which could help you save money on a new bike and accessories.
Help the environment
Walking and cycling produce no exhaust emissions during your journey, helping to reduce local air pollution when they replace car trips.
Fewer cars on the road can also mean less traffic congestion and noise, making neighbourhoods more pleasant places to live.
Choosing to travel actively for some of your everyday journeys is a simple way to help reduce your environmental impact.
Why not give it a try?
You don’t need to make a big change to get started. Think about one or two journeys you regularly make by car that you could walk or cycle instead.
Whether it’s a trip to the local shops, a visit to a friend or part of your journey to work, small changes can soon become part of your routine.