William Eichler 23 March 2018

Well-maintained footpaths can promote walking, health body says

Local authorities should improve the quality of footpaths to encourage people to be more active, public health body says.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) yesterday published its updated guidance on physical activity and the environment.

The new guidance aims to help people be more active through improvements to the built environment and public transport, as well as better access to the countryside.

Among its recommendations, NICE said that councils should maintain paths and cycle routes to a ‘high standard’ so that they are convenient, safe and attractive to use.

‘Handing back some of the roads to pedestrians and cyclists will help people to become more active,’ said Professor Mark Baker, director of the centre for guidelines at NICE.

‘Simple things such as ensuring street lights along footpaths are working and hedges are kept trimmed makes walking a more attractive option which will lead to people living healthier lives.’

The public health body also stressed the importance of helping those with limited mobility negotiate footpaths easily.

‘People with limited mobility need extra help from their surroundings such as adapted crossings, public transport that can be used with a wheelchair and step free access,’ said Professor Baker.

‘With a little thought these measures can be designed into our public spaces to help everyone be more active.’

According to a 2016 survey by the walking charity Ramblers, 56% of paths were well-kept and signposted, but 35% needed improvement to make them more accessible and user-friendly. 

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £4,904 (approx.) £12.45 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Stanley
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 / £39,513- £43,693 p.a. i.e. grade 9 pre progression/grade 11 post progression
We are looking for a fulltime permanent Social Worker to join our Integrated Learning Disabilities North Team. WHAT IS INVOLVED? An exciting oppo Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager Learning Disabilities

Durham County Council
£48,710 - £52,805 p.a. Grade 14
Applications are invited for a fulltime permanent Team Manager vacancy within the Adult Care Services area of Adult and Health Services within the Spe Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Senior Data and Systems Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a.
We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, hardworking, and motivated Data Officer to join Durham’s Children and Young Peoples Data Team.  This vacanc Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner