Kate writes a bi-weekly column for the Burton Mail. This column was originally featured in the 30th July print edition.
We have all become far more aware of our own health and fitness during the recent months. Whilst it’s always been acknowledged that a healthy, active lifestyle is beneficial when it comes to fighting off illness, it is now suggested that there is a link between obesity and increased severity of COVID-19 symptoms. It has never been more important to take care of our health.
Throughout the current health pandemic people have been advised to avoid public transport where possible and unprecedented levels have found walking and cycling a safer alternative to get from A to B whilst maintaining social distancing. This week, as lockdown eases further, the Prime Minister announced details of a £2 billion plan to boost walking and cycling throughout England which will hopefully help to maintain this trend. The funding will allow for additional infrastructure, such as bike lanes, bike racks and on-street storage and wider pavements, to make walking and cycling far easier for people who wish to pursue these activities. This initiative is aimed at building a healthier and more active nation. Lockdown, and the associated isolation, has affected many people’s mental health and cycling and walking are known to offer huge benefits, not just physically but also mentally, by getting the heart pumping and burning calories and generally lifting a person’s mood.
To encourage a wider uptake and to also encourage people who haven’t cycled for a long time back onto their bikes, the Government is introducing a bike repair voucher scheme for people in England to get up to £50 to bring old bicycles back into working order. Cycling will be promoted in schools and there will also be cycle training for every child and adult who wants it.
Cycling and walking have a huge role to play in tackling some of the biggest environmental challenges that we face. They are both green, clean ways of getting around which reduce traffic, cut congestion and improve air quality. Whilst some journeys will always require a car or public transport, by swapping short journeys with cycling or walking it’s easy to build exercise into daily routines and reap the health benefits. The Government’s plans will help encourage more people to choose greener alternatives to public transport and hopefully form healthier habits whilst at the same time helping to protect the environment.
