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Travel
Facts
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253 people die prematurely each year from vehicle emissions in the Auckland region.
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Children like walking on a Walking School Bus because they arrive at school on time. (WSB evaluation '09)
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Amsterdam, Netherlands is often referred to as the bike capital of the world with 40% of all traffic movements by bicycle.
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Home
> Walking & Cycling
> Walking
Walking
Becoming Walker Friendly
Here are a few simple changes that schools or workplaces can make to become more walker friendly:
Provide lockers to store clothes, shoes or books
Encourage people to park away from the exits
Install lights between the exit of the building and the road
Encourage people to walk home in pairs or as a group in the evening
Have sun screen and umbrellas available
Provide showers
Parents can try helping to set up or join a walking school bus. Parents can also implement some of our School Walking Ideas (2 MB).
Health Benefits
Walking is great for your health and fitness. The Ministry of Health advises that walking for only 30 minutes on most days can have significant health benefits including:
Weight loss
Helps prevent high blood pressure
Reduces the absorption of harmful cholesterol
Strengthens the heart, muscles, bones, tendons and the immune system
Reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, brittle bone diseases and some cancers
Reduces stress, tension and mild forms of depression
Cyclists and pedestrians absorb lower levels of pollutants from traffic fumes than car drivers
Getting Started
Walk to the local shops
Walk to catch the bus once or twice a week instead of taking the car
Walk your children to school once or twice a week – or join a walking school bus
Park you car a little way from your child’s school and walk the rest of the way
Encourage the family to walk together
Take the dog for a longer walk
Power walk for a more vigorous workout
Tips for Safe Walking
Keep to the footpaths
Always make eye contact with drivers to check that they have seen you before crossing roads
Wear light coloured clothing and stay in well lit areas if walking at night
Take care crossing roads - only cross where you can see traffic coming from all directions
Wear comfortable and sturdy footwear
Take water on longer walks
Start slowly and enjoy the scenery – you’ll be amazed by how much better you feel and how much you can learn about your local community.
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