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.
Walk. Connect. Change your world.
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The climate-nature emergency is worrying for us all. Devastating floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events are no longer rare occurrences. It can leave you wondering how you can make a meaningful difference. The good news is we can make positive change, and it starts with something as simple as walking and wheeling more.
Let’s explore why walking matters for our environment.
In Scotland, increasing the amount you walk and wheel for short journeys is a good way to lessen your impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. At the same time, it’s a positive step towards improving your own physical, social and mental health.
Did you know cars cause around 40% of Scotland’s transport emissions. Choosing to walk for short trips is positive change you can make. Fewer cars on the road reduces emissions, congestion and pollution. This means cleaner air for us all to breathe. As walking helps us feel fitter and boosts wellbeing, it’s a win for you and the planet!
Sometimes it’s not as far as you think! And it is free.
Your daily commute Could you make all or part of your journey to work or study on foot?
A trip to the shops Need a pint of milk or a newspaper from the corner shop? You could blow away the cobwebs and choose to walk as an alternative to getting in the car.
Meeting or visiting friends and family If you’re meeting up with people, try to choose a venue you can walk to, whether a café, park, or house.
Taking a child to school You could walk or wheel there together and set some healthy habits for life. You’ll do your bit to reduce traffic congestion and have cleaner air at the school gates.
For distances beyond comfortable walking distance, opt to use a bike or public transport, instead of your car to reduce carbon emissions. Did you know, one double decker bus is the equivalent of removing 75 single-occupancy cars from Scotland’s roads? A walk to and from the bus stop adds some activity to your day too!
The move to working at home has helped us to see that not all journeys are necessary. Could you video call for some meetings or appointments rather than travel by car?
What treasures lie within a 20-minute walk from your home? Are there shops, parks and community spaces? If you’re going somewhere local, try to walk or wheel there instead of grabbing your car keys. You’ll see more of your neighbourhood, make connections and help the environment too.
You may have noticed that extreme weather is becoming more common. Heavy rain can cause path surfaces to be washed away, and flooding can cause big puddles that make paths too muddy to use.
If there are problems on the paths in your area, you might be able to report them to your Access Officer.
If you’d like to get involved with making paths better and more resilient to weather changes, read our guide.
