Active travel | Greener Scotland › wp-content › uploads › 2019 › ... · Active travel The day-to-day travel decisions you make can have a real impact on making Scotland a

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Active travelThe day-to-day travel decisions you make can have a real impact on makingScotland a cleaner, greener place to live – and they could also help you to befitter, healthier, happier and wealthier.

If it’s not far, leave the car, and choose active travel options like cycling orwalking instead. Walking is one of the best ways to clear your head and reducestress. Whether you are planning your thoughts for the day ahead or walkingaway the stresses of the day – active travel has many benefits.

Journeys

Clear your mind and reduce stress.Get healthier, feel happier.Download Journeys for free today.

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WalkingWalking is a great, green way to get from A to B – each step is a move towards acleaner, healthier Scotland. Walking costs nothing, it’s good for your health andyou don’t need any special gear to get started. A short journey by foot can besurprisingly quick – and you'll feel the physical benefits whilst doing your bit tohelp the environment. So, if it’s not far, leave the car. Walking is also a great wayto help you towards at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five times a week.

Even if you’re in a hurry, walking can often be quicker than navigating busy roadsin a car and then finding a parking place. You won’t need change for the metereither.

Benefits of walking

Save money – cut down on fuel and faresKeep fit – being active every day can have the greatest health benefitsUnwind – walking is one of the best ways to relieve stressReduce emissions – walking is a great, green way to get from A to B

Make walking part of your routine

Try switching to walking for some of those shorter journeys and everyday errandsyou’d usually do by car. Get the kids walking to school with you if you live closeby. If you can walk to work you’ll find space and time in your day to think, listento music and relax. Even popping to the local shops is easier when you don’t haveto find a place to park first. You could well be surprised by how quickly you canget where you need to go.

Plan your walk

With a little forward planning, most short journeys are easily walkable. The bestroute might be quite different to the one you normally drive.


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Plan now (#)

Take life on

Find out more about getting active at the Take Life On website.

Find out more (http://www.takelifeon.co.uk/)

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CyclingPedal your way to a better quality of life – and a better level of fitness. If it’s notfar, leave the car. Cycling shorter journeys instead can keep you healthy, get youwhere you need to go faster and help to keep Scotland cleaner and greener. Readabout the goals of the Cycling Action Plan for Scotland (http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2010/06/25103912/0) .

Find out how Velocity (http://velocitylove.co.uk/) in Inverness is helping people get ontheir bikes:


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View more of our Climate Challenge Fund videos (/why-live-greener/climate-challenge-fund-videos) .

More cycle lanes, off-road paths and advanced stop boxes at junctions meancycling in town is easier than ever. The National Cycle Network(http://www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/national-cycle-network) has thousands of miles ofdedicated cycling routes – and 75% of us live within two miles of a route. Gettingkitted out is a one-off expense, and you could save on travel costs for years.

Benefits of cycling

Work out and feel better – you can turn your regular commute into aworkout by trying to improve your speed and stamina, and make time inyour life for other things knowing you’ve had plenty of exerciseSave money – even a new bike needn’t cost much and it will help you tospend less on fuel and fares. Check whether your work offers a tax-free Cycleto Work scheme (http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/) to help with the costs of buyinga bikeDe-stress – exercise is a great way to wind down, and cycling alongdedicated cycle paths and routes can be a great stress relieverReduce emissions – cycling is a great, green way to get from A to B

The whole family could feel better by getting on their bikes. For the kids, find outabout Bikeability Scotland training (http://www.bikeabilityscotland.org/) . Many schoolsteach cycling proficiency through this scheme. Some even team up with local bikeshops offering discounts, so you can get the children kitted out for less.

Mile for mile, it’s shorter car journeys like the school run that are most damagingto the environment. With a little research, the kids could be pedalling their wayto classes safely, quickly and cheaply.

Getting started with cycling (#)


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If you’re thinking about starting cycling you can find second-hand bikes online.Check out Freecycle (http://uk.freecycle.org/) too – sometimes you can even pick upsome wheels for free. There are also some charities that refurbish older bikes fornew cyclists – do an Internet search for 'recycled bikes' in your area. Weigh upany initial cost against how much you will save by leaving the car.

You might be nervous about getting on a bike for the first time or have concernsabout road safety. There are lots of places where you can find advice, resourcesand support on cycling proficiency, quiet routes and the rules of the road. Findout all about cycling in Scotland at Cycling Scotland (http://www.cyclingscotland.org/get-cycling) or begin with these expert tips on Starting out on a new bike(http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/blog/starting-out-on-a-new-bike/) . A little forwardplanning can give you confidence and cut your journey time.

You may also be able to get help from your work to buy a bike under the Cycle toWork scheme (http://www.cyclescheme.co.uk/) . The scheme lets you buy your bike tax-free, which can cut the cost by 40%.

What you need (#)

Bike – it needn’t be expensive to start cycling if you find a second-hand orrecycled bike locally or onlineBright clothing – will help you be seen on the road, and a helmet mightprotect you if you have a fallLights and reflectors – you must have these to ride at nightBike lock – and panniers to help carry work or shoppingSustrans Free Your Bike (http://www.sustrans.org.uk/change-your-travel/get-cycling) pack – useful information to get you started such as cycle routes inyour area

Before setting off, check your bike fit (http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/blog/bike-fit/) .Something as simple as adjusting the saddle height can make all the difference toyour comfort and safety.

A little time spent maintaining your bike (http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/blog/maintain/) will keep it running smoothly. Minor jobs like looking after yourchain (http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/blog/looking-after-your-chain/) , getting your gearsrunning smoothly (http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/blog/getting-your-gears-running-smoothly/) and puncture repair (http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/blog/puncture-repair-edinburgh-bicycle-co-op-style/) are easy to do yourself.

You can invest in a bike computer (from as little as £20) that will keep track of allthe miles you cover, your average speed and how you’re improving. Track yourmiles all year to see how much you have saved versus driving and how manyhours you have spent on the road. Enjoy the benefits of a regular and predictablecommute to work – traffic jams don't apply to cycle paths.

Plan your route (#)


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CycleStreets Scotland Journey Planner (http://scotland.cyclestreets.net/journey/)Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative Cycling Route Guides and Maps(http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/blog/cycling-route-guides-and-maps/)

Cycling Scotland

Find everything you need to know about cycling in Scotland.

Find out more (http://www.cyclingscotland.org/)

Greener Scotland is your one-stop website for greener living, provided by theScottish Government. © 2019 Greener Scotland - The Scottish Government


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