Easy ways to encourage Walking
Many people only need a little nudge to get them to put one foot in front of another.
Ready-made advice on promoting walking at work
Paths to Health provide information packs on how to promote walking within the workplace.
Raise awareness of the benefits of walking
A brisk, mile-long walk burns the same number of calories as running over the same distance. There is no need to change clothing or footwear, or to take a shower afterwards.
Provide maps of walking routes with journey times
People may be surprised to find out how far they can get on foot in ten minutes. Mark on places of interest, more scenic and quieter routes and lunchtime eateries as well as transport links for greatest effect. Identifying safe walking routes of 15, 30 or 45 minutes starting from your office will encourage lunchtime exercise.
Keep some umbrellas by the door
Keeping some umbrellas handy will encourage fair-weather walkers not to be put off by a bit of rain. Add a company logo and get some free advertising into the bargain.
Directions to your office for visitors
Make sure that directions start with how to get to your office on foot. Give journey times as well as distance - a 20 minute walk makes more sense than a distance of one mile to someone who is not used to walking.
Directions to events you are organising
If you are planning an event, ensure that you give directions for participants to get there without a car. This could involve walking and cycling directions from a train station showing times in minutes. Perhaps you could choose a venue that is conducive to travelling by public transport, walking or cycling, rather than one which is best suited to car drivers.
