People: making sure that our public spaces are people friendly, that our streets are not just designed as traffic corridors, and people have a voice in decision making; Places: making sure that public spaces are high quality, clean, safe and attractive, and that our neighbourhoods are vibrant, with good access to local shops and services; Walking: making sure that walking is the natural option for people by providing the right information, the right environment and the right incentives and encouragement to get people out walking.

Our core mission is that we work with and through other people ñ with Government, schools, local authorities, employers, communities - to enable safe, attractive and enjoyable streets.

Your task: The activity can be lifestyle activity or structured exercise or sport, or a combination of these. Think of a form of exercise that you could use to reach your target of 5 x 30 minutes per week.

Only 40% of men and 28% of women in the UK meet the minimum recommendations for physical activity. Source: NHS Information Centre, 2008 Inidividual work performance can improve by 4 - 15% when people engage in regular physical activity

RFSS: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 1990. Source: Mokdad A H, et al. J Am Med Assoc 1999

We have never had an epidemic like this that we have been able to track so thoroughly and see. As I told you, this is conservative. About 60 million adults, or 30 percent of the adult population, are now obese, which represents a doubling of the rate since 1980.

We have never had an epidemic like this that we have been able to track so thoroughly and see. As I told you, this is conservative. About 60 million adults, or 30 percent of the adult population, are now obese, which represents a doubling of the rate since 1980.

We have never had an epidemic like this that we have been able to track so thoroughly and see. As I told you, this is conservative. About 60 million adults, or 30 percent of the adult population, are now obese, which represents a doubling of the rate since 1980.

We have never had an epidemic like this that we have been able to track so thoroughly and see. As I told you, this is conservative. About 60 million adults, or 30 percent of the adult population, are now obese, which represents a doubling of the rate since 1980.

“Physical activity can help reduce physiological reactions to stress, and has positive benefits such as it improves sleep, reduces anxiety, enhances mood and self esteem. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of depression. Work related stress costs £8.4m including £2.4m spent by employers to replace staff who left due to poor mental health

Local congestion - costs £23.2 billion (British Chamber of Commerce Dec 06) Car park space costs a company £300 - £500 per year (DfT)

Perceived distance Not knowing how far you can walk Av walking speed is 2-3mph Quarter of all car trips in the UK could be done on foot

Aimed at 17 - 30 female office workers, but anyone can take part Funded through the Big Lottery H&WB strand, and by TfL in London Not massive budget, we do online marketing and events to reach individuals We do

Websites HR: info to interviewees, Event organisers: walking info in delegates packs

Since Sept 08 Pledge only on www.walkingworks.org.uk National marketing: online and events Employees make own decision We start communicating with pledger Basic data segmentation

Walking coaching

National event: 27 Apr to 1 May 2009 Employees asked to: ‘… challenge yourself to fit more walking into your daily life’ Employees and employers asked to register during March, then sent daily challenges via email during the week Online tool will track participation by employees, with feedback available for their employers Free supporting materials for each challenge Resources for sale w/c 2 Mar 09

Make the pledge! Join the e-bulletin list

Walking and the workplace: why walking is good for business and how to encourage more of it

The next 30 minutes… About Living Streets Why walking is the answer to everything How to encourage more workplace walking

Living Streets Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we work to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk.

Our vision Safe, attractive, enjoyable streets where the needs of people are prioritised over traffic, where local people are involved in decision making where walking is the natural choice for short journeys

Everyday, Living Streets … Lobbies nationally and locally Provides consultancy services to local authorities and businesses Runs campaigns such as Walk to School (2m primary kids, 1994) Walking Works (2k employees, 2008) Fitter for Walking (100 communities, 2008)

Why walking is the answer to all of our problems

Get up, stand up At the moment, current guidance on physical activity is: Adults need 30 x 5 (at least 30 mins a day of at least moderate intensity physical activity on 5 or more days of the week) Can do the activity in one session, or in shorter bouts of activity of 10 mins plus Activity can be lifestyle or structured exercise or sport, or a combination

Now sit down if… It costs more than £50 to get started It costs more than £5 each time It requires special equipment or training It requires you to go somewhere special to do it It needs other people to take part It has a high risk of injury It takes effort to fit it into your daily schedule You don’t always enjoy it It is hard to do at work

Walking - it’s easy Everyone can do it at some level Those who don’t do anything have most to gain Doesn’t require expensive equipment It’s free The risks from walking are low Unlike drugs, there are no side effects Can be done in urban and rural locations Can be fitted around your existing schedule

Walking improves physical health

Physical health “For most people, the easiest and most acceptable forms of physical activity are those that can be incorporated into everyday life. Examples include walking or cycling instead of driving” Source: CMO, England,(2004)

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1985 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1986 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1987 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1988 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1989 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1990 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1991 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1992 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1993 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1994 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1995 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1996 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1997 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% ≥20%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1998 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% ≥20%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 1999 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% ≥20%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2000 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% ≥20%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2001 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% ≥25%

(*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2002 No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% ≥25%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2003 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% ≥25%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2004 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% ≥25%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2005 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2006 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

Obesity Trends* Among U.S. Adults BRFSS, 2007 (*BMI ≥30, or ~ 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) No Data <10% 10%–14% 15%–19% 20%–24% 25%–29% ≥30%

Walking supports mental health

Mental health “Rhythmic aerobic forms of exercise including brisk walking and cycling, appear to be most consistently effective.” Source: DH, 2004: “At least 5 a week”

Walking tackles climate change

Climate change “Transport is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, and commuter and business travel constitute nearly 40% of all miles driven by car. Measures to reduce vehicle use can be important for any business seeking to make its operations more sustainable.” DfT, 2008

Walking creates stronger communities

If it’s so easy, why aren’t we all walking?

Barriers to walking

A national communications programme that aims to: encourage employees to walk more as part of their daily commute help employers to encourage walking share best practice

How can employers encourage more walking in their workplace/s?

7 ideas that are free, quick and easy

Present walking as the norm

Promote online route planners walk-it.com (key UK cities) TfL journey planner (London only) Multimap (UK wide) Google maps (UK wide) Local authorities (various) n.b. Explain how they work, and their key features!

Ask employees to pledge

“Good morning, thank you so much for this email. I had forgotten about my walk before Christmas. I have, this week, decided I must lose weight this year and also do more exercise by walking. By suddenly receiving your email, it has made me more determined to succeed. Thank you!” Regards Diane Email to Living Streets, Jan 09

Encourage walking meetings Get the go-ahead from decision makers Give staff ‘permission’ to do this Give staff the info they need Lead from the top - ‘walk with the CE’ once a month? Swap feedback - what works in your workplace, what doesn’t?

Make use of our online marketing Mince pie calculator: 7,376 unique visitors 838 pledges in one month

Make use of national competitions ‘Music to walk to’ competition 1,058 new pledges

Mash up your messages Seasonal ‘set yourself free’ posters x 4 ‘Challenging barriers’ poster Info sheets (walking and women, walking and equality, etc) Monthly top tips (how to run a walking meeting, walking in winter, etc) Monthly e-bulletin (2040 businesses now signed up) Use your own staff stories

Still free! 3 ideas that need a bit of time invested…

Set up a walking group Hook up with a local health walk (WHI) Buddy schemes (www.walkbudi.com) Walking buses (link up night-time walkers) Specific-interest walking groups (e.g. architecture, local history, wildlife) Themed walks (e.g. Valentines Day) Led walks (local council, walking clubs, etc) Lunch time walks

Create fab walking maps Various ways to do this: Use distance (e.g. 0.5 mile, 1 mile) Use times (e.g. 10 mins, 15 mins, 30 mins) Use steps (e.g. 10,000) Show most-used walking routes Show key points of interest

Do a walkability audit Enlist some interested helpers Audit your site from the pedestrian pov Feedback to management Google ‘walkability audit’

4 ideas that are easy, but require a small budget

Workplace events Walkers breakfasts: 6 ‘walk2work days’ a year Art attacks: turn a car park space into a garden Bring in an expert: hire an army instructor to lead a ‘commute boot camp’ for walkers (higher level fitness training en route) Workplace competitions: local treasure hunts, distance walked in a week, photos

Small or big budgets - off the peg ideas that you can DIY

Pedometer challenges Proven to be effective way of encouraging more walking (Activate Your Workplace, Well@Work) DIY: e.g. E.on’s ‘Activate Your Steps’ For sale: Fitbug (weekly targets set for steps, active steps and nutrition) - Tesco, O2, BP… For sale: Global Corporate Challenge (21 May for 125 days, companies can submit teams) … Nestle, Qantas, Wella

Awareness events

Walk to Work Week 2009

And for those with cash .. Install showers Provide benches for walkers Provide lockers for chunky boots, etc Install adequate lighting ‘Crunchy’ pavements (safety at night) Put in wayfaring signage Pedestrianisation

Thank you Questions? Visit: Stand 164a today (Lisa & Stacy) Email: walkingworks@livingstreets.org.uk Tel: 020 7377 4905 Web: www.walkingworks.org.uk www.livingstreets.org.uk