The charity’s mission is to achieve a better walking environment and inspire people to walk more.

It will campaign for big changes in three areas:   

• People choose walking - walking is at the top of the travel hierarchy for shorter journeys to improve our health and our environment. 
  
  
• There are better streets for walking - developing design standards for walking to ensure our streets are fit for all.  
  
  
• All walks of life – we want walking to be for everyone, striving for equality and inclusion for our streets, in every UK neighbourhood, city and nation. 

Dame Jane Roberts, Chair of Living Streets said:   

“We have a choice, now, between a cleaner future for people, places and our planet, or continuing with activities which damage our health and environment. Transforming the way we move around our towns and cities, will play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and achieving better physical and mental health. 

“Our new strategy will put us firmly on the path to achieve these ambitions, setting out our goals for walking and ensuring we thrive as a well-governed, sustainable and effective organisation.” 

Mary Creagh, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: 

“During the COVID-19 lockdown, millions of people rediscovered the simple act of walking – the oldest, cheapest and greenest transport there is. But the pandemic saw people struggling with narrow, uneven pavements, crossings that prioritise cars rather than people, and pavement parking.   

“Placing walking at the heart of government policy will ensure we build back better and avoid a car-led recovery. It will allow us to tackle the twin epidemics of obesity and loneliness, and create a cleaner future for pedestrians from all walks of life.”