New active travel campaign encourages north-east people to get walking
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A new campaign is encouraging north-east people to embrace walking for short trips to cut travel costs and boost health.
Scottish Government Minister for Active Travel MSP Patrick Harvie met four new characters who will help to spread the word about the benefits of active travel in Scotland.
The characters feature in a new pilot campaign which has been launched, reminding people in Aberdeenshire and Moray that A Wee Walk Works Wonders if they are travelling a short distance from home – and that even just 10 minutes of walking has benefits for their health, their pocket and the planet.
The campaign A Wee Walk Works Wonders is being piloted in Aberdeenshire, Moray and Renfrewshire with plans for a nationwide roll-out.
Featuring radio adverts, a social media campaign and posters on streets and on buses, it is hoped the message will encourage people to swap one or more of their regular car journeys each week to a short walk.
Mr Harvie said: “For those of us who have a choice when it comes to short, local trips, this campaign is about leaving the car behind and going on foot.
"Everyone making that choice is not only helping to reduce pollution and improve air quality – but also making a positive choice which benefits their own physical and mental health.
“So I hope people in Renfrewshire, Moray and Aberdeenshire will take inspiration from this colourful new campaign and we see the impact on everyday activities, whether it’s picking up children from school or popping out for a pint of milk.
“With concerns over both costs of living and inactive lifestyles on the rise, the campaign seeks to highlight the many benefits of walking for short journeys to local shops, stations and other nearby destinations.
"By choosing to walk, Scots can improve their mental and physical well-being and save money on fuel and parking fees, as well as helping to reduce harmful emissions.”
Tess White MSP for North-East Scotland, one of the stronghold areas for the campaign said: “A walk makes us all feel better – this colourful campaign seeks to highlight the many benefits of walking for short journeys to local shops, stations and other nearby destinations.
"By choosing to walk, each of us can improve mental and physical wellbeing, as well as helping financially and reducing carbon footprint in the process. Happy walking.”
A Wee Walk Works Wonders campaign manager Ros Browning said: “In Scotland we’re often in the habit of jumping into the car, even just for short journeys of less than a kilometre, like doing the school run, visiting a friend or popping to the corner shop.
“Our campaign aims to remind people that walking is a great choice for those regular daily trips. Not only is it really good for your body and mind, it will help you to save money too, as every journey adds up.
“It doesn’t have to be every trip, or every day – but regular short walks can be really beneficial, and even leaving the car at home once a week will make a difference.”
Visit aweewalk.scot for more information on the campaign.
