Why encourage Walking?
With 33.9%* of car journeys in Scotland being less than 2 miles in length, there are huge potential benefits in promoting walking as an alternative means of transport. Also, people who walk or cycle to work are more likely to be more active throughout the day, with benefits for productivity, reduced sick leave and levels of job stress.
The benefits to business of walking
For businesses and other organisations, developing a walk-if-you-can culture can help:
- lower organisational transport costs
- reduce the need for expensive parking lots
- increase productivity through improved staff well-being
- demonstrate commitment to protecting the environment
- meet criteria for accreditation schemes such as the Healthy Working Lives Award
Improving access to your premises for walkers can also help enlarge the pool of available labour and could get more customers through your doors.
*33.9% of journeys by car in the survey are under 2 miles, 66.1% are over 2 miles. 26.2% of journeys to work by car are under 2 miles. Source: National Travel Survey
The health and environmental benefits of walking
If more people walk, we can:
- ease congestion
- reduce noise pollution
- cut exhaust emissions
- improve our health
Walking is also a great way to relax, giving us more time to enjoy our urban spaces and improving our work-life balance. Walking is free, doesn't need any special equipment and there are fewer barriers to starting out.
Walking and your Travel Plan
Tailored to the specific needs of your organisation, staff, clients and visitors, Travel Plans are integrated packages of measures that you design to promote more sustainable transport choices for your staff, visitors and suppliers.
Formalising a Travel Plan for your organisation will help you get the maximum benefit from encouraging alternative ways to travel.
