Paths study by Uni

A PROJECT to boost low-levels of physical activity in deprived areas has found that improving footpaths, clearing overgrown vegetation and increasing street cleanliness could be the answer to encouraging people to walk more.

Researchers from Loughborough University worked with the charity Living Streets and 12 local authorities across England to find ways to improve street environments and promote everyday walking. The scheme, part of the Fitter for Walking project, focussed on less affluent areas of the country where physical activity was reportedly low.

By the end of the four-year project, organisers calculated that more than 30,000 residents had taken part in project activities, and almost half of these had been encouraged to walk more because of street improvements and active encouragement.

As part of Loughborough’s evaluation of the project, the team investigated how the projects were organised and carried out in each of the local authority districts.