The campaign is supported by recent polling conducted by YouGov, which reveals that 71% of UK adults believe people should be allowed to walk along the edges of privately owned fields i<\/strong>f the alternative is walking on busy or dangerous roads without pavements. Moreover, 70% of respondents expressed support for creating a national walking network that connects all addresses in the UK<\/strong>, even if it requires establishing new paths on private land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dan Raven-Ellison, founder and CEO of Slow Ways, emphasized the pressing need for change. \u201cGoing for a walk in the countryside can mean risking narrow lanes, blind bends, and fast vehicles,\u201d he said. \u201cThe government can save thousands of lives and bring millions of people so much joy by ensuring there is always a safe way to walk.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n The Slow Ways initiative, launched in 2020, aims to create a comprehensive walking network by mapping routes that connect Britain\u2019s towns, cities, and natural landscapes. Thousands of volunteers have contributed to this effort, identifying gaps in existing paths and proposing solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Raven-Ellison highlighted the plight of rural residents, many of whom live in areas without safe pedestrian access. \u201cFor the 10 million people living in the countryside, this isn\u2019t just about hiking; it\u2019s about being able to walk safely to essential places like shops, schools, and workplaces. Many rural communities are effectively isolated, with cars being the only viable option for travel.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The poll also revealed that 40% of respondents would be likely to walk more if a national walking network were established. Extrapolated across the UK, this could encourage 27 million people to adopt walking as a regular activity, promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing carbon emissions, and boosting local economies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWalking can improve our health, save us money, and tackle the climate crisis,\u201d Raven-Ellison said. \u201cNot helping people to walk where they want to go just doesn\u2019t make sense.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Slow Ways is urging the government to collaborate with communities and organizations to make walking safer, more inclusive, and accessible. As part of this push, the public is invited to volunteer by sharing and verifying walking routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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Advocating for Safe and Accessible Walking Routes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Potential Benefits of a National Network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Call to Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n