A wee walk works wonders
Our new pilot campaign encourages Scots to embrace walking for short trips to cut travel costs and boost health.
‘A Wee Walk’ features four new characters who will help to spread the word about the benefits of active travel in Scotland.
The campaign, launched today (Friday 1 March), is reminding people in Renfrewshire, Moray and Aberdeenshire that ‘A Wee Walk Works Wonders’ if you’re travelling a short distance from home – and that even just 10 minutes of walking has benefits for their health, their pocket and the planet.
The campaign ‘A Wee Walk Works Wonders’ is being piloted in Renfrewshire, Moray and Aberdeenshire, with plans for a nationwide roll-out. Featuring radio adverts, a social media campaign, and posters on streets and on buses, it’s hoped the message will encourage people to swap one or more of their regular car journeys each week to a short walk.
Scottish Government Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie MSP is at the Scottish Parliament today to launch the campaign, which is supported by Transport Scotland and Paths For All through ‘Smarter Choices, Smarter Places’ funding.
“We hope this new campaign will make people stop and think before they automatically reach for their car keys when they’re running quick errands.
– Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie MSP
“Many of us have a choice to make when it comes to those short, local trips and by leaving the car behind and going on foot we’re not only helping to reduce pollution and improve air quality – we’re also making a positive choice which benefits our own physical and mental health.
“I hope people in Renfrewshire, Moray and Aberdeenshire will take inspiration from this colourful new campaign and think twice the next time they have a little bit of spare time on the school run, or when they’re popping out for a pint of milk.”
With concerns over both costs of living and sedentary lifestyles on the rise, the campaign seeks to highlight the myriad benefits of walking for short journeys to local shops, stations, and other nearby destinations.
By choosing to walk, Scots can improve their mental and physical well-being and save money on fuel and parking fees, as well as helping to reduce harmful emissions.
“In Scotland we’re often in the habit of jumping into the car, even just for short journeys of less than a kilometre, like doing the school run, visiting a friend, or popping to the corner shop.
– ‘A Wee Walk Works Wonders’ Campaign Manager Ros Browning
“Our campaign aims to remind people that walking is a great choice for those regular daily trips. Not only is it really good for your body and mind, it will help you to save money too, as every journey adds up.
“It doesn’t have to be every trip, or every day – but regular short walks can be really beneficial, and even leaving the car at home once a week will make a difference.”
The campaign ‘A Wee Walk Works Wonders’ launches today (1st March 2024) and will run in three regions of Scotland for a month.
For more information on the campaign, please visit aweewalk.scot.
