Walk and cycle
23 March 2007
Now that the weather is getting better and the smell of spring is in the air, why not enjoy it to the full by leaving your car at home and walking or cycling instead? Many of us depend on our cars to get around, but research by the Department of Transport shows that around a quarter of all the car journeys we make are less than two miles long. That’s just a 10-15 minute cycle ride or a half hour walk.
With congestion ever on the increase, driving short journeys is going to get more and more awkward. Road traffic is now responsible for around a fifth of the UK’s climate changing CO2 emissions and pollution from exhaust fumes is unpleasant and unhealthy – child asthma doubled during the 1990s.
The health benefits of walking and cycling are a definite plus – more and more of us work in sedentary jobs and this is an easy way to make exercise a habit. Believe it or not, in heavy traffic air quality can be worse inside the car than out – car drivers can be exposed to up to 3 times more pollution than pedestrians.
If you are lucky enough to be in the position where your journey to work is local, then by walking or cycling you could get more enjoyment out of your day and turn up at work feeling relaxed and invigorated.
Conditions are getting better for cyclists with designated routes such as the Myton Road Cycle Path which connects Leamington and Warwick. A new cycle path due to be completed in June will connect the Warwick Gates Estate with Warwick Technology Park via Heathcote Lane.
Supermarkets tend to encourage car use, as the biggest ones are away from town centres and have large car parks. Making shorter trips to local shops more often, using a rucksack or cycle panniers to carry things home rather than taking the car will help local businesses thrive and support a local economy that is helpful for people who want to walk or cycle.
Making moves towards greener transport choices really can make a real difference to your health and the local and global environment. It just needs a bit of motivation to get started, but when you do, you’ll never look back!
Useful information
- Second hand cycles: The Recycle Warehouse 01926 426369
- Cycle training for all ages: Warwickshire County Council 01926 412776
- National Cycle Network www.sustrans.co.uk