New Poll Shows Widespread Support for a National Walking Network in the UK
As the winter break approaches, millions of people are planning to take walks to stretch their legs. However, many may be putting their lives at risk by walking on narrow or busy roads with no sidewalks or legal footpaths. A new poll conducted by YouGov for Slow Ways has found that 7 in 10 UK adults (71%) believe that walking along the edge of privately owned fields should be allowed, as long as walkers are respectful and responsible, when the only other option is a dangerous road.
According to Dan Raven-Ellison, founder and CEO of Slow Ways, “Going for a walk in the countryside can mean risking narrow lanes, blind bends, and fast vehicles.” In fact, the Department for Transport reports that two pedestrians die and 34 are seriously injured by vehicles on rural roads each week. In light of these statistics, Raven-Ellison is calling on the government to prioritize safe walking routes. “The government can save thousands of lives and bring millions of people so much joy by ensuring there is always a safe way to walk,” he says.
The poll also revealed widespread support for an extensive upgrade to paths and access in the UK. 70% of respondents expressed support for the creation of a national walking network that would allow people to safely walk to any address in the country, with new paths and walking routes being created on private land where necessary.
Slow Ways is a grassroots initiative founded by Raven-Ellison in 2020 with the goal of developing a national walking network. “Slow Ways is founded on the principle that we should always be able to walk safely and enjoyably to the places we need to get to,” explains Raven-Ellison. “We know there is a need for this. Over the last three years, thousands of volunteers have been helping to develop the Slow Ways national walking network. Thanks to their efforts, we have mapped thousands of walking routes that connect Britain’s towns, cities, and national landscapes.”
Raven-Ellison emphasizes that this upgrade in access would not only benefit hikers but also the 10 million people who live in the countryside and face these issues on a daily basis. “Many people who live in rural areas are surrounded by fields, but effectively live on islands that they can only venture in or out of by car,” he says.
The poll also showed that such an intervention to make walking safer would not only be popular but would also encourage more people to walk. 40% of respondents said they were likely to walk more if a national walking network existed, potentially helping 27 million people (40% of the UK’s population) to walk more.
Slow Ways is calling on the government to work with people, groups, and organizations across the country to develop an inclusive, extensive, and easy-to-follow national walking network, including an upgrade in access. They are also inviting the public to volunteer with Slow Ways by sharing and checking possible walking routes between towns and cities. To learn more and contribute to Slow Ways, visit their website at www.slowways.org.
Press release distributed by Pressat on Friday 27 December, 2024.
