promoting walking

For many of your staff, walking really could be the best option for getting to work. This is particularly true for sites in town and city centres, but should not be underestimated in any location.
Possible actions to consider:

Marketing

Many people don’t walk simply because they do not consider it to be a real option, but highlighting the benefits of walking on health and wellbeing can be enough to begin a shift from car-commuting.

Even so, for some people who have gotten out of the habit of walking, even a short stroll can seem a bit daunting. Many companies have got over this by initiating short lunchtime walks to re-establish a walking culture. Marketed as a social event rather than specifically fitness these events can painlessly get people back into the habit of walking.

It is also important to realise that many people may not know the way to walk to work, which is often much more direct than the alternative vehicle route. For these people the provision of local walking maps are a great idea, or you could even generate a personalised walking route for them! Why not visit walkit.com which allows you to do just this?

Shower and Changing Facilities

Though for most walkers these facilities will not be necessary, some people who live further away may want the opportunity to shower and change at work; this is especially true for joggers. Consider people commuting on foot alongside the provision you make for cyclists.

Removing obstacles

People will only walk if they perceive their route to work as being safe, convenient and pleasant. Asking people to walk through dark, unlit subways is not only pointless, but counter-productive.

The first starting point should be your own site – the site audit should help with this. Ask yourself:

• Are pedestrians required to walk all the way round the site perimeter to enter at the same point as vehicles?
• Do pedestrians have to cross acres of windswept car-park?
• Do pedestrian paths seem safe, visible and well-lit?
• Are pedestrian routes well-signed, attractive and direct?

Use the results of your staff survey, as well as your own local knowledge, to highlight any areas of concern in the local environment. Work with the local authority, who will often be willing to address points of concern. It’s amazing the effect that comparatively small changes can make.

Incentives for walkers

Many companies offer payments for walking to work, entry into a prize draw, or discount cards for local businesses. Or what about letting walkers get into work 10 minutes later than their colleagues?