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A new study has highlighted the dangers of walking on rural roads in the UK, where the absence of footpaths forces many pedestrians to navigate narrow lanes shared with vehicles. According to the Department for Transport, two pedestrians die and 34 are seriously injured on rural roads every week. In response, Slow Ways, a grassroots initiative advocating for a national walking network, is calling for extensive upgrades to footpath access across the country.
The campaign is supported by recent polling conducted by YouGov, which reveals that 71% of UK adults believe people should be allowed to walk along the edges of privately owned fields if the alternative is walking on busy or dangerous roads without pavements. Moreover, 70% of respondents expressed support for creating a national walking network that connects all addresses in the UK, even if it requires establishing new paths on private land.
Dan Raven-Ellison, founder and CEO of Slow Ways, emphasized the pressing need for change. “Going for a walk in the countryside can mean risking narrow lanes, blind bends, and fast vehicles,” he said. “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.”
The Slow Ways initiative, launched in 2020, aims to create a comprehensive walking network by mapping routes that connect Britain’s towns, cities, and natural landscapes. Thousands of volunteers have contributed to this effort, identifying gaps in existing paths and proposing solutions.
Raven-Ellison highlighted the plight of rural residents, many of whom live in areas without safe pedestrian access. “For the 10 million people living in the countryside, this isn’t just about hiking; it’s about being able to walk safely to essential places like shops, schools, and workplaces. Many rural communities are effectively isolated, with cars being the only viable option for travel.”
The poll also revealed that 40% of respondents would be likely to walk more if a national walking network were established. Extrapolated across the UK, this could encourage 27 million people to adopt walking as a regular activity, promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing carbon emissions, and boosting local economies.
“Walking can improve our health, save us money, and tackle the climate crisis,” Raven-Ellison said. “Not helping people to walk where they want to go just doesn’t make sense.”
Slow Ways is urging the government to collaborate with communities and organizations to make walking safer, more inclusive, and accessible. As part of this push, the public is invited to volunteer by sharing and verifying walking routes.
The campaign plans to accelerate efforts in 2025, connecting more towns and cities with safe walking paths. More information on the initiative, including ways to get involved, can be found at www.slowways.org.
