Fitter for Walking

Rachel Lee

Policy and Research Coordinator

Living Streets

Creating streets for people

What is the problem?

Question 1

What is the problem? Does anything need to be done?

Why is walking important to you and here where you live?

Create a reason to consider walking.

Develop a local vision

Empower people with tools and help forge the right connections

Step by step

1. Register and prioritise aims

2. Assess walking environment

3.Take action

4. Celebrate success

Step by step

1. Register and prioritise aims

2. Assess walking environment

3.Take action

4. Celebrate success

Living Streets’ Neighbourhood Award

I will walk…

… to Bilston once a week to school

to pick up kids

… to work (if it's not raining!)

… and shop local

…an hour during February every

day, after 11am

Our survey said…

•90% meeting their pledge and 75% walking more

•71% feel more engaged in their community

•68% have more contact with other people in neighbourhood

•68% walking more after 6 months

I have walked…

Evaluation

• Sustrans (May 2012). Living Streets Fitter for Walking: pledge follow-up summary. Bristol, UK

• Sinnett, D., Powell, J. (2012). Economic evaluation of Living Streets’ Fitter for Walking project. University of West of England, Bristol, UK.

• Adams, E.J., Goad, M.A. & Cavill, N. (2012). Evaluation of Living Streets Fitter for Walking project. BHF National Centre for Physical Activity and Health, School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.

Output from HEAT for five Fitter for Walking projects

Qualitative and quantitative analysis

“It’s really empowering when you engage with communities and say “what do you want? Do you want to be involved in the process?” And then people get a sense of ownership

Local Resident

“As a result of the project, the route is more pleasant. Taking barriers away made an amazing difference – you can actually see your way! More people are out walking now, including young mums and people in wheelchairs. It’s just a friendlier place.”

Local Resident

Conclusions