Walk To Work Day

Walk To Work Day History

Walk to Work Day promotes the benefits of walking and encourages people to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about the advantages of walking, such as improving physical and mental health, reducing traffic congestion and decreasing carbon emissions. Participants are encouraged to walk to work or use a combination of public transport and walking, with the ultimate goal of creating healthier, more sustainable communities.

In the UK, the event highlights the importance of walking not only from an environmental and health perspective, but also in terms of improving local economies by supporting local businesses along walking routes. The observance is supported by various campaigns and organisations to promote walking, such as the charity Living Streets, which advocates for pedestrian-friendly cities.

Walk to Work Day is usually observed on the first Friday of April. Participants in the UK are encouraged to plan their walking routes in advance, join or organise group walks, and share their experiences on social media using relevant hashtags. Employers can play a significant role in promoting the day by providing incentives and creating a supportive environment for staff who choose to walk on that day. Some UK companies even coordinate walking challenges or competitions to encourage employee engagement while raising awareness about the benefits of walking.

Walk To Work Day Facts

• In 2023, about 66% of the population in the United Kingdom say don’t look after their health as much as they should.
• In the UK, the biggest motivators for walking are to get fresh air (46%), to maintain fitness and physical health (36%), and to improve mental health and overall wellbeing (35%).
• A brisk 30-minute walk burns about 200 calories. Walking often can help with maintaining a healthy weight. It can also improve the overall quality of life.
• About 5 million car trips can be saved a year by walking or biking to work according to sustrans.org.
• Choosing to walk to work instead of driving or using public transportation can save you a significant amount of money in fuel costs, parking fees, and public transport fares.
• Studies have shown that people who walk to work are more productive and have higher energy levels throughout the day. Walking helps to clear the mind, boost creativity, and increase focus.

In the News and Trending for Walk To Work Day

Walk To Work Day Top Things to Do

• Walk to work! You'll stay fit, help save the environment, and save on gas money.
• Encourage co-workers to also walk to work. Finding a walking buddy can improve the experience by passing the commute time.
• If walking to work isn't an option, try carpooling or using public transport services. This will help reduce the overall environmental impact of while also saving on gas costs.
• Explore the different architectural styles around the UK while walking. Walk around the Gothic style buildings in Oxford or enjoy the Victorian architecture in Manchester.
• A popular choice for many on Walk to Work Day is making a pit stop at a local café for breakfast or brunch. Popular places include The Dalloway Terrace in London, Flint Owl Bakery in Lewes, and Peter's Yard in Edinburgh.