If you can sometimes practice what you preach with Active Travel, and see real measurable benefits from data (even on a macro scale), it can feel really positive.
At the end of last year, we relocated to a different end of the country and the move allowed our family to be less reliant upon car transport, which I saw as a huge positive for us all.
As a quick comparison so far, for the same point in the year, we would have made approximately 220 short journeys of less than 2km in getting our children to and from school and coach drop-off points, and clubs.
So far, we are at only 4 car trips for the same this year.
This comes from a combination of safe walking routes to school within 20 mph zones, (with controlled crossings at key points), NCN 3 and a very good local bus network with affordable passes for school. In addition, the secondary school provides funded after-school club minibuses.
We are lucky enough to also have NCN3 and Beryl bike service on our doorstep, but admittedly I haven't managed to convince the children to cycle as often as I'd hoped. Probably not helped by what has felt like near-constant rain since we moved!
The extra walking has seen my average daily in-week steps go from circa 3k to at least 10k. Also, I've noticed my VO2 max has been on a steady climb upward in this period to the 'excellent' levels I've not seen for a few years; even more impressive given my lack of riding (did I mention it has rained a lot 😞)
So carbon footprint and car running costs are reduced, and our physical health is improved. Who would have known that if you move more, your health seems to improve?
Then there is the subject of my mental health. I feel more resilient to stress. It's difficult to put data to this, and there are possibly other contributing factors at play here. However, my measured daily Stress rating seems to be the inverse of my VO2 max, showing a definite downward trend. The walk to school provides a much-needed break away from my screen in the am and pm. I am continually thankful to #Atkinsrealis for allowing me to work flexibly to achieve my current work-life balance.
#cornwallcountycouncil
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Training and Development Consultant at Queen's University Belfast | Freelance Mental Health Trainer/Consultant
4moWell deserved Lowri Edwards