Thousands who never walk advised to get in step
NEARLY a quarter of people in Greater Manchester rarely walk anywhere – missing out on vital health benefits, according to experts.
New figures from the Department for Transport reveal that 23 per cent of people aged 14 and over in the area don’t do any walking, even as little as once a month.
The figures come from the annual Active Lives Survey conducted by Sport England, and ‘any walking’ is defined as a continuous walk for 10 minutes or more – whether that’s for travel or leisure.
The proportion of respondents saying they don’t walk at all, even once a month, ranges from 18pc of people in Trafford to 29pc of those in Oldham. Even fewer of us walk more regularly. While 77pc of people across Greater Manchester walk at least once a month, only 68pc are walking once a week, 40pc three times a week, and just 30pc five times a week.
The NHS recommend that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, as well as strength exercises twice a week or more. Walking is a simple and free way to meet this target, and even a brisk 10-minute daily walk has lots of health benefits.
Cycling is also one of the easiest ways to get some regular exercise, as well as being an environmentally friendly way to travel, but the figures show we’re even less likely to cycle than we are to walk. Only 13pc of people in Greater Manchester said they do any cycling at least once a month, falling to 9pc once a week, 5pc three times a week, and 3pc five times a week.
Nationally, the proportion of people cycling at least once a month has fallen over the last few years, dropping from 17pc in 2016 to 16pc in 2019, while those walking once a month has increased from 77pc to 80pc.
Barbara Kobson, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: “It is worrying to hear that there has only been a slight increase in the number of people choosing to walk and fewer people taking up cycling over the last few years. We’ve all felt the strain of lockdown and now more than ever it’s important to look after your own health – both mentally and physically.
“Choosing to walk or cycle has many health benefits. Even just brisk walking for 20-30 minutes a day can be a simple way to achieve the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity each week and can also improve sleep patterns, reduce stress levels, boost your energy levels and help you get fit and active.”
The survey covers the 12 months to November 2019 – meaning the effects of the coronavirus pandemic aren’t reflected in the figures. In May, the government announced a £2 billion package to create a ‘new era’ for cycling and walking, with plans to boost greener, active transport.