Yesterday was the first day of Walk to Work Week, national charity Living Streets is encouraging workers across the country to swap their usual mode of transport and pound the pavement this Walk to Work Week.
From 11 to 15 May companies and workers can join Walk to Work Week by making simple changes to their day such as walking to work instead of driving, planning a walking meeting or going for a lunchtime walk.
Walk to Work Week is part of National Walking Month, an annual campaign run by Living Streets to raise awareness of the many benefits of walking.
Research has shown that walking for just half an hour each day can significantly improve health and mental wellbeing. With many of us rushing from the commute to the office, then eating lunch at our desks we are unwittingly risking our health – a few simple steps in the right direction can make all the difference.
Walking is also good for the wallet and the environment as it can help to save on petrol and bus fares and helps to reduce environmental footprints.
Living Streets Chief Executive, Joe Irvin says: "Walking part of the way to work is a great way of incorporating exercise into your day. So far, we have over almost 1400 companies participating and this number is increasing by the second.
"Doing it on the way to work or even going for a walk during lunchtime can help to improve productivity and has proven benefits to mental and physical health."
Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians and works to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk.
Walk to Work Week attracts a variety of workplaces, from leading banks to local shop owners. Organisations participating last year included Zip Car UK, Essex University, Transport for Greater Manchester and the Austrian National Tourist Office. For more information or to sign up please visit www.walktoworkweek.org.uk
- See more at: Walk to Work Week