How we can get cycling, walking and wheeling more
Cycling, walking and wheeling are great for us in many ways; physically, mentally and socially. They’re a lot kinder to the environment than driving, too!
There are loads of ways we can make changes to the way we travel so that we use cars less, and get active more.
We work in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent to help more people find ways into cycling, walking and wheeling, and we’ve got some great tips to help you.
Ways we can make changes in our everyday life
Use the car less
Many of us use cars for their convenience, but there may be ways that we can use them less and enjoy the benefits of getting outdoors at the same time. Check out Sustrans’ tips on going car-free.
Walk more where possible
It’s free, simple, and one of the easiest ways to get more active – walking briskly can gradually build your stamina, help clear your mind and improve your mental health, and help your heart health. The NHS has some useful tips for walking for health.
Try a new route
Surrounding yourself with nature and being outdoors can be hugely beneficial to our wellbeing.
Why not try a new route to cycle, walk or wheel? AllTrails features a variety of routes so you can get out and enjoy your local scenery.
Ramblers also has a tool where you can search for walks and routes and filter them based on difficulty, suitability and more.
The National Cycle Network also has a great selection of signed paths and routes for walking, wheeling, cycling and exploring outdoors.
Give cycling a try
Cycling is great for keeping healthy physically as well as mentally; it’s an easy way to ‘clear your head’ as well as get to places faster than walking.
We’ve put together some tips for getting started with cycling.
Be sure to check out Sustrans’ website for traffic-free routes, and plenty of useful guides.
Find a walking or wheeling activity suitable for you
Every Body Moves has an activity finder where you can search for walking activities suitable for you (as well as other activities).
You can filter based on impairments, times and more.
Local work that’s happening
The INTO Newcastle Social Prescribing Project is being led by the Transport and Public Health teams at Staffordshire County Council, alongside a range of local partners in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Together Active will be supporting the roll-out by delivering physical activity social prescriber training and helping to raise awareness of the opportunity so that interested local people will be able to self-refer themselves to the programme.
We are very excited about this project because more than ever, people want and need support to walk, wheel and cycle and this will provide plenty of one-to-one and group support for people of all abilities to take part in these activities.
The type of support available will include skills and confidence building, adapted cycles, group rides and walks and awareness of safe places to walk, wheel and cycle.
It will help to improve our understanding of what works to enable people to use a mode of transport which is fun, healthy and great for the environment.