London,
28
April
2008
|
23:00
Europe/London

Hackney steps up to challenge on Walk to Work Day

Hundreds of workers in Hackney put their best foot forward as they joined in with Walk to Work Day.

Staff from the Learning Trust, Hackney Council, Burberry Factory, Berger and Lauriston Primary Schools left their cars at home or got off of public transport and opted for the healthier way to get to work last Thursday (24 April).

And for many it was the start of a four-week challenge to battle it out with businesses across Hackney to see who can record the highest number of steps.

Hackney Council, Transport for London and Living Streets have opened up the challenge this year to encourage more people to walk to work.

Walkers have been equipped with pedometers and charts to record the number of steps they take each day, with prizes up for grabs for those who walk the most.

Fiona Fletcher Smith, Corporate Director for Neighbourhoods and Regeneration, said: “Walking as part of our daily journeys, or even once a week, brings great benefits for individuals and for Hackney as a whole.

“Walking is a great way to get fit and stay healthy and, best of all, it’s free. What’s more, it’s good for the environment. By leaving the car at home and walking instead, you can help reduce carbon emissions. Every half a mile you walk saves around 0.14kg of carbon dioxide.”

Sustainable transport is a priority for the Council. Building walking into daily journeys is one way of improving health, congestion on the borough’s roads and emissions. Numerous studies have shown the health benefits of walking, from losing weight to lowering blood pressure, increasing bone density and enhancing mental well-being.

Even if it’s not practical to walk the whole way, by getting off the bus earlier or missing out that last tube line change we can all walk more in our daily lives and reap the benefits.

Hackney Council can help organisations in the borough to work towards encouraging healthier lifestyles and a more productive workforce by developing workplace travel plans. You can find out more at: www.hackney.gov.uk/walktowork or contact: Louisa Clarke on 020 8356 8189 or louisa.clarke@hackney.gov.uk

To plan your walk to work, visit: www.walkit.com or www.tfl.gov.uk/walking