Walking

Walking has a huge number of benefits for individuals, for the environment and for the road network.

More of us walking will mean a healthier population, less crowded roads, and less pollution from traffic. It will also increase road safety.

One of Kent's transport priorities is to get more of us walking more often. To do this, we need to encourage people to walk. We also need to ensure that roads and pavements are safe and convenient for pedestrians.

Walking is also a great way to enjoy the Kent countryside - have a look at our walking routes.

Our aims

To make it safer, easier and more attractive for residents and visitors to walk, we aim to:

• reduce the vulnerability of pedestrians and improve their safety and security
• promote walking as a safer mode of transport to school and work
• reduce peak period car journeys, including driving to work
• reduce short distance car journeys in order to reduce congestion and pollution, and to promote healthy living
• ensure developments are 'pedestrian friendly'
• encourage walking as part of an integrated transport policy
• promote the benefits of walking
• develop recreational walking.

Why encourage walking in Kent?

If more of us walk to work, school, shops or for leisure, there are a number of very important benefits that we will all enjoy:

• Less pollution - there will be less carbon dioxide emission if there are fewer vehicles on the roads. 
• Less congestion - fewer short car journeys, particularly in town, will mean less crowded roads.
• Better health - walking is an excellent way of taking regular exercise. It helps to reduce the risk of a wide range of illnesses and conditions, and GPs increasingly refer patients to walking programmes. Encouraging children to walk more often will help combat the rising levels of obesity and ill-health.
• Promoting independence - developing pedestrian skills in children will help them get better road sense, and a general awareness of their environment.