We need to walk more

Walking is great form of exercise, easy, relaxing and providing a real lift to the spirits. I usually manage to find some time every day for a walk of at least an hour, usually around Wanstead Park.

There has been a growing emphasis over recent years on getting more people out walking. The motivation has been to improve health and cut the pollution created by unnecessary car journeys.

The health need is urgent, with people seemingly getting more sedentary with each passing year. The computer revolution has resulted in more and more jobs that do not require much moving around. There must be a link to the obesity explosion that has been witnessed across the world.

Nearly 70% of Londoners do not take enough physical exercise to remain healthy, whilst 40% of school children are overweight or obese.

The developments around schools over recent years provide an interesting insight into the move toward a more sedentary existence. 30 years ago most children walked to school. Over the passing decades, more and more have travelled to school by car. This has contributed to the pollution levels around schools and the obesity epidemic mentioned earlier.

Now, there are moves to get people back out walking. Transport for London recently announced its Walking Action Plan, which intends to see a million more journey on foot each day by 2020.

The walking plan is part of an overall strategy to ensure 80% of all journeys are on foot, by cycle or on public transport by 2041 (the figure is presently 63%). At present 24% of all journeys done in London are on foot.

Regarding schools, there are plans to encourage more walking by having timed road closures, car free days and 20 mph limits around schools. These type of measures should increase the number of children walking and cycling to school.

Walking needs to be prioritised, with streets being made safer and infrastructure developments prioritising walking when under construction.

A reduction in traffic would seem to be a key requirement, improving both physical safety and a reducing the pollution levels that stop so many people from walking in London at present.

The Mayor’s transport strategy, including the Walking Plan, are encouraging moves forward. Many London boroughs have made major steps in the direction of pedestrianisation, with neighbouring Waltham Forest a good example of what can be achieved with a bold vision and the determination to succeed.

More of these bold initiatives are needed in order that everyone can live more green and pleasant lives.

published - Wanstead & Woodford Guardian - 20 & 22/9/2018