Walking isn’t only good for our physical, social and mental health. It’s also good for our communities, the environment and the economy.
We support and inspire people in Scotland to walk and wheel more.
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Learn more about the terms we’re using and why.
We aim to use both terms, walking and wheeling, together as it’s more inclusive.
Walking and wheeling are top of the sustainable travel hierarchy too. You can find out more about the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy below.
Both words, walking and wheeling, represent the action of moving at a pedestrian’s pace, whether or not someone is unaided or using any kind of wheeled mobility aid. This includes wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walking frames, prams or buggies.
While this might not be familiar or widely used by non-disabled people it is familiar with wheelchair users.
Some wheelchair and mobility scooter users identify with the term wheeling and others prefer walking. By using both terms, we’re allowing people to self-identify with the term they prefer while including a wider range of people.
It’s important to note that we do not always use wheeling. For example we do not use it when referring to something specific to walking like physical health benefits. Wheeling is also not as accessible as walking, so you’ll see it’s not always included.
Here’s some other terms we’ve used across the website and their meanings.
Active travel refers to journeys made in a physical way, that are people-powered. This includes walking and wheeling as well as cycling.
Transport Scotland has lots of information about Active Travel.
We’re using the term climate-nature emergency as we recognise that climate change and biodiversity loss need to be tackled together. You can’t solve one without addressing the other one.
Walking and wheeling address both the climate and nature emergencies.
Net zero means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions we put into the atmosphere and the amount we’re able to take out will add up to zero. Scotland has set an ambitious target to become net zero by 2045. You can find out more on the Net Zero Scotland website.
The National Transport Strategy for Scotland includes the Sustainable Travel Hierarchy, which promotes walking and wheeling, followed by cycling, above other forms of transport.
Within the hierarchy, public transport and shared transport are also preferred over single occupancy private car use.
You might also see it called the ‘Sustainable Transport Hierarchy’.
Transport Scotland has more information about the hierarchy.
20 minute neighbourhoods are neighbourhoods where it is easy for people to meet most of their everyday needs in a short, convenient and pleasant 20 minute return walk.
For example having local shops, schools, green space and public transport options within a 10 minute walk (or 20 minute round trip) of your home.
As you explore our website, let us know if there’s any other terms you would like added to this page.
