Walking and Cycling

 

Walking and cycling have long been known for their health benefits, they are also cheap and easy ways to travel.

 

Benefits of walking and cycling

• The governments target on exercise is," we should take part in some mild to moderate physical activity that leaves us out of breath for at least 30 minutes a day five times a week", by walking or cycling to work everyday you could reach this target.
• This helps to keep blood pressure down, reduces the risk of heart disease, obesity and the common form of diabetes.
• It has been proven that, cyclists and pedestrians breathe in fewer fumes than car drivers.
• Physically active older people have reduced rates of hip fractures
• BUPA have worked out that new cyclists riding short distances can reduce their risk of death by 2%.
• Regular cyclists enjoy a fitness level equal to that of a person ten years younger, (National Heart Disease Foundation)
• Bikes have a more consistent travel time even during the rush hour.
• Walking is free; cycling is low cost and low maintenance
• Helps with weight management

 

Safety

Make sure you are aware of road safety. Be careful when using MP3s and music players, you might not be able to hear vehicles behind you. Using a helmet when cycling could potentially save your life.

 

Oxfordshire County Council supply “Footsteps” packs to all parents to help equip children to walk to school safely and offers cycle training at all Henley schools.

 

Sustrans, together with the town and district councils and Henley Partnership, have proposed a Henley cycle strategy. It aims to improve facilities for cyclists, walkers and disabled people. The strategy has identified key areas for better integration between existing cycle routes as well as proposing new routes throughout the town. Some of the proposals include improved links for Gillotts School, as well as a north-south link.