Monday, September 16, 2019

On yer bike, or your legs, for Mobility Week

European Mobility Week 2019 takes place all this week, writes Kildare County Council's Sustainable Transport Officer Declan Keogh, and this year, the theme is focusing on 'safe walking and cycling' and the ways active mobility can benefit our health, environment a bank balances.

This EU Mobility Week puts a spotlight on safe walking and cycling and the benefits it can have for our health, our wellbeing, the climate and environment and our bank balances! Active transport modes such as walking and cycling create zero emissions and help keep our hearts and bodies healthy.

People who use walking and cycling as their main mode of transport over driving, have found it to be more attractive, with less congestion and a higher quality of life.

"Our bodies are designed to move, yet many of us struggle to find the time to get active during the day," Declan Keogh says. "We find that much of our routine is made up of sitting in traffic, at a desk, or in front of a screen for long periods, and we are not doing enough active moving during the working day." He says we should integrate exercise into our daily life and save money at the same time.

In terms of individual health benefits, studies show that cyclists on average live two years longer than non-cyclists and take 15 percent fewer days off work through illness, while 25 minutes of brisk walking a day can add up to seven years to your life!

The council is encouraging us to ditch the car this week and choose an alternative mode of transport for our journey. Consider walking or cycling where possible, and practicable. Even during your lunch break you could take a long stroll or a cycle, or in the evening time, perhaps go for a walk or cycle. It's not just good for the environment, its also good for your health and fitness.

Or even if you can't walk or cycle to work because of the distance involved, have you ever considered 'car-pooling'? Think about it!

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