In between our daily responsibilities, it’s easy to forget about the huge benefits of staying physically active. But simply taking a walk or bike ride to get where you need to go is a great way to keep healthy in body and mind, save money and make new friends. We want to make it easier for the 1.4 million people aged 50-69 living in Scotland to leave the car at home and make walking and cycling part of the everyday routine. Are you ready to Give it a Go?
Our new campaign aims to make it easier for people aged 50-69 living in Scotland to leave the car at home and make walking and cycling part of the everyday routine. Are you ready to Give it a Go?
Our new campaign aims to make it easier for people aged 50-69 living in Scotland to leave the car at home and make walking and cycling part of the everyday routine. Are you ready to Give it a Go?
The campaign, supported by funding from the Scottish Government, was inspired by a report commissioned by the Centre for Ageing Better and carried out by Sustrans.
This report collected the experiences of people aged 50-69 across the UK.
It looked at what encourages or prevents people in this age group from walking and cycling more of their everyday journeys.
Noelle O’Neill, 58, Inverness
Walking gives me the space to inhale and exhale – to inhale and awaken my senses each morning and exhale at the end of a busy day.
How can walking or cycling everyday journeys benefit me?
Keeping physically active helps to delay the onset and progression of many age-related health conditions.
It also plays an important role in helping to manage the impact of health conditions once we develop them.
Despite this, levels of physical activity begin to drop after 50.
Walking or cycling can help with relaxation and to reduce stress, so there are mental health benefits, too.
Even if you start off on your own, you’ll soon find yourself in company.
Walking and cycling are great ways to take in new things and meet new people.
Every time you choose to leave the car in the driveway for a journey, you'll make new connections.
Walking and cycling more often and cutting down on car journeys saves money – a bonus in the midst of a cost of living crisis.
Plus, of course, by leaving the car at home, you’re doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions.
Jon Jewitt, 59, Paisley
I estimate I save 5kgs of carbon dioxide each return journey by not using the car to get to work.
But, it’s raining, it’s too far and isn’t it unsafe?
We all face our own barriers and everyone can sometimes find it a bit difficult to convince ourselves to give it a go.
Some of these barriers aren't as difficult to overcome as they might seem. Here are some examples.
- Dealing with long distances
We’d suggest starting small.
Think about your weekly journeys – could a quick trip to the store to get a few bits be done on foot?
- Braving the Scottish weather
Yes, opening the curtains to a haar or a good old-fashioned hoolie can deter even the most dedicated.
But it’s possible with a bit of forward planning, as one of our colleagues can demonstrate.
- Feeling unsafe, particularly when cycling
Why not start by taking a cycle skills course, or heading out as a group?
You can find a host of tips for beginners or those returning to cycling here.
Scotland has a great selection of completely traffic-free paths along the National Cycle Network and in our city and town centres – find out more.
Karen Wilson, 62, Edinburgh
I ended up making new friends at my cycle skills course. We all encouraged each other and we still meet as a group to cycle and get coffee.
Find other ways to make walking or cycling part of your routine
Looking to walk or cycle to work?
The Way to Work website is a treasure trove of real-life stories, personal experiences, and helpful tips for everyone looking to ditch the car on their commute.
Why not sign up to volunteer?
You can meet friendly, like-minded individuals who already walk or cycle regularly and will almost certainly be able to point you in the right direction.
Find your nearest National Cycle Network route.
With over 1,600 miles of routes across Scotland, it may be closer than you think. Check out Visit Scotland’s selection of gentle routes to get you started.
Want to try out an e-bike?
If you think they could be your cup of tea, find out how to hire one.
