SPT Travel Planning

Active travel

Why do we need Active travel?

"30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week is good for you!" (Source: Let's Make Scotland More Active - strategy for physical activity, Sep 2005).

Physical inactivity has been described as the 'silent killer of our time'. Lack of physical activity is one of the biggest causes of illness and death in Scotland and increasing activity levels is now a priority for many national and local organisations. People who are active are more likely to live longer, healthier lives and remain independent.

NHS Health Scotland recommends that we do a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week. A good guide to the term 'moderate activity' is that the effect should leave us slightly out of breath and feeling warmer but still able to talk. Nearly 60% of the Scottish population do not meet these levels.

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Walking

Walking is an ideal activity for people because:

  • It is free and requires no special equipment.
  • It is accessible to all regardless of age, income, location and ability.
  • It can easily be incorporated into our daily lives.
  • It is within the physical capabilities of most people and is a realistic goal for inactive people.
  • It combines all the physical benefits of activity with an opportunity for social contact.
  • It can be enjoyed safely and there is a low risk of injury.

By becoming more active you bring about a wide range of benefits such as:

  • Making you feel good, reducing stress and helping you to relax.
  • Reduced incidence of diseases such as strokes, type II diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease.
  • Weight management and the prevention of associated illnesses.
  • Positive mental health.

"1 step to be taken 10,000 times per day" (Source: British Heart Foundation).

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Cycling

Cycling is an effective, healthy and environmentally friendly form of transport.

  • It is good for you.
  • It is good for the environment.
  • It is fast.
  • It is convenient.
  • It gives you freedom and independence.
  • It takes you from door to door.
  • It is reliable.

In congested urban areas, using your bike to commute can bring you many benefits. In the city, cycling is often twice as quick as driving. The time you take doesn't vary with traffic, so you will always arrive on time, or even early.

Be safe and be seen!

  • Be bright - day and night - means being able to be seen by drivers. Wear brightly coloured clothing and use lights when cycling at night.
  • Obey traffic signs - a bicycle is a vehicle and this means that cyclists must stop at red lights.
  • Wear protection - cycle helmets are recommended for safe cycling; however it must fit the cyclist's head, be worn and adjusted correctly and replaced after any impact.
  • Give warning - ride predictably and indicate to motorists before changing direction or turning.

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