Building physical activity
into our daily lives
Being physically active helps keep us
healthy and protects against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and
some kinds of cancer. But a large number of adults and children are
not active enough to benefit in this way. Building physical
activity into our everyday lives is a good way of
becoming more active.
Many of us take the car on short journeys when we could
walk or cycle instead - the UK has some of the lowest walking
and cycling rates in Europe. But these easy, and often free,
activities can help us work towards leading a more active lifestyle.
It’s important that active options like these are enjoyable and
safe. That's why we're calling for changes that will encourage us
all to take part:
- all schools should have a School Travel Plan and take steps to
help children walk and cycle to school safely
- employers should
provide facilities for walkers and cyclists
- good town planning - with safe well lit streets, facilities and
parks within walking distance, and good public transport links for
everyone
- a 20mph speed limit in areas where we live, work, and
play. This would reduce the risk of accidents and help people feel
safer.
For more information please download our
policy statement or email policy@bhf.org.uk