NICE public health update

Abstract

This guidance sets out how people can be encouraged to increase the amount they walk or cycle for travel or recreation purposes. This can help meet public health and other goals (for instance, to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions). The guidance is for commissioners, managers and practitioners involved in physical activity promotion or who work in the environment, parks and leisure or transport planning sectors. The aim is to encourage more people to keep fit by incorporating walking and cycling into their everyday lives. The average time spent travelling on foot or by bicycle has decreased; in England from 12.9 min per day in 1995/97 to 11 min per day in 2007. The recommendations cover local programmes, policy and planning, schools, workplaces and the NHS. Coordinated cross-sector programmes should be developed to promote walking and cycling for recreation as well as for transport purposes. The aim should be to shift attention away from focusing on individual risk factors and isolated, small-scale interventions and ensure programmes comprise an integrated package of measures, implemented by all relevant sectors and stakeholders. Town-wide programmes should be put in place to promote cycling for both transport and recreational purposes. These could include cycle hire schemes, car-free events or days, providing information such as maps and route signing, activities and campaigns that emphasize the benefits of cycling, fun rides and others. Where appropriate, interventions should link to existing national and local walking and cycling initiatives, and incorporate actions in specific settings, such as workplace or schools. The guidance notes that it should be read and implemented alongside other NICE guidance, particularly PH8 (physical activity and the environment). Taking measures to address the environmental barriers (such as cycle networks and the danger—and perceived danger—posed by motor vehicles) is likely to be necessary to help people to walk and cycle more. The relevant recommendations from other NICE guidance are brought together in the NICE walking and cycling pathway.