BackLondoners urged to walk through tube strike
From Sunday 3rd October until Tuesday 5th October, the London tube network will be closed down as a result of industrial action. National charity Living Streets is urging all Londoners to give walking a go during the strike to find just how quick and easy it can be.
The threat of strike action on the tube network often sends the cities commuters into panic mode and this time round is no different. It is estimated that 3.5 million people will be affected over the next few days, with commuters facing the challenge of getting to their workplace using alternative methods of transport.
But despite the anticipated disruption, national charity Living Streets believes that there is a free, green and easy option for many commuters. 109 journeys (53%) between central London tube stations are quicker to walk, yet despite this, only 9% of people in the city currently commute to work on foot. Walking for just 30 minutes a day during the working week means meeting the Government’s recommended daily activity levels to transform your health.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets said: “The tube strikes don’t have to be as stressful as you would imagine. It’s actually a great opportunity to get out and about on foot and to incorporate some physical activity into your working day.
“Many journeys in central London are quicker by foot anyway, and you'll be getting the advantages of some time to yourself to plan for the day ahead, or to unwind after a busy day. So if you usually commute by train and jump on the tube, why not walk once you arrive in London? Or if you have to get a bus, why not get out when you get to zone 1, meet a friend and walk the rest of the way together? We urge all commuters to give walking a go during the tube strikes; we think you’ll be amazed at how easy it can be, and you’ll not want to get back on the tube!”
Walking routes are also easy to plan using the Walk It website, visit www.walkit.com
Find out more about the benefits of walking to work at www.walkingworks.org.uk
For more information contact Anna Powell, Press Officer at anna.powell@livingstreets.org.uk, tel: 020 7377 4914.
Published on: 01/10/2010
