A survey has found that women are nearly twice as likely as men to be put off walking by a lack of safe places to walk nearby.
The survey, carried out by YouGov on behalf of Living Streets for National Walking Month, comes after the Government announced new guidance for councils to help improve streets for women and girls.
The survey shows that women in the UK are put off walking more due to “a lack of public toilets” (14%), “vehicles parked on pavements” (9%) and to “not enough places to rest” (9%).
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be put off walking more by a lack of safe places to walk nearby (14% vs 8%).
Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for Local Transport said: “Everyone should have the opportunity to walk for their own wellbeing, but this research shows too many women are missing out.
“We know that feeling safe and having accessible, well-designed streets makes a real difference. That’s why we’re supporting councils with new guidance to create safer, more inclusive walking environments for women and girls.”
Research shows that walking can reduce a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer, strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor at any age, and help women recover after having a baby or experiencing a long illness.
That’s why, this National Walking Month, television presenter Julia Bradbury is asking women to ‘walk out’ – and get outside for a walk each day in May for themselves – and their own enjoyment.
Julia Bradbury, television presenter, walking champion and National Walking Month ambassador, said: “As a mum and a woman recovering from cancer, walking has been an absolute lifeline for my physical and mental health.
“It’s sad to hear that so many women struggle to get the time for themselves to head outside and enjoy the benefits of a walk or wheel. The personal gains are huge. No kids, no errands, just movement and the rhythm of walking in the fresh air can be life-changing.
“So, this is a shout out to all women to take a bit of time for themselves – even 10 or 20 minutes – to ‘walk out’ every day this May. It could just be the new habit you need to change your life. Walk yourself happy!”
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