Benefits of walking

Almost everyone likes walking, and so they should.  Walking is good for our health, good for the environment, good for the community, good for the economy and good for our kids.  It is a win, win, win, win, win solution.

The benefits of walking include:

  • Walking is a win win for everyoneimproved public health and health cost savings
  • reduced traffic congestion, road provision costs, vehicle ownership, operating and parking costs.
  • reduced environmental pollution and traffic noise
  • improved physical and cognitive health for children and seniors in particular
  • increased social connection and
  • benefits for business through increased retail sales and business agglomeration.

For a broad economic analysis of the benefits of walking, see our research report with Arup, The Economic Case for Investment in Walking (December 2018). Also see A Walking Strategy for NSW - Assessing the Benefits of Walking, prepared by Pricewaterhouse Coopers for the NSW Premier's Council on Active Living.  The British publication Making the Case for Investment in the Walking Environment also provides an overview of the benefits of walking.

An example of the powerful effects of significant walking projects is provided by the Indianapolis Cultural Trail.

Follow the links for the evidence on why we need to promote walking and create urban environments that encourage people to get out and walk.