For more than 25 years, I have made active travel a part of my daily life. Cycling to work each morning and walking my daughters to school became more than just practical choices, they became habits that shaped my health, my family life, and my outlook on sustainable living.
The Benefits of Building Movement into Everyday Life
Active travel has allowed me to integrate exercise naturally into my daily routine. Instead of setting aside separate time for fitness each week, walking and cycling provided consistent physical activity that has paid dividends over the years. Some of the key benefits I’ve experienced include:
- Improved fitness and stamina, thanks to regular, low-impact exercise.
- Enhanced mental wellbeing, with cycling offering a refreshing start to the workday and walking providing calm, reflective moments.
- Lower stress levels, as active travel creates space to disconnect from the pressures of daily life.
Family Connections Through Walking
One of the most rewarding aspects of my active travel journey has been walking my daughters to school. What may seem like a small and insignificant daily routine has become an invaluable time for conversation, laughter, and connection. These moments, repeated over many years, have created memories that remain far more meaningful than the distance we walked.
And perhaps the best proof of its value is seeing how these habits have carried forward. My two eldest daughters, now working adults, regularly walk to the train station three days a week for their commutes into London. It seems the example set all those years ago has paid off, shaping the way they choose to travel even now.
The Impact of Covid on Routines
Like many others, my habits shifted during the Covid pandemic. With more time spent working from home, my daily cycle commute naturally declined over the past five years. However, active travel did not disappear from my life. Instead, it evolved. Together with my wife and younger daughter, we established new traditions like walking after dinner, heading into the city centre on foot, and enjoying weekend excursions. These routines helped us stay active, maintain our wellbeing, and appreciate the value of being outdoors, even when everyday life was disrupted.
A More Sustainable Choice
Active travel has also been an environmentally conscious choice. By reducing reliance on the car for daily commuting and short trips, I have cut down on fuel use and emissions. Over a quarter of a century, those small choices have added up to a significant reduction in my personal environmental footprint.
Inspiring Others
One of the unexpected benefits has been the influence active travel has had on those around me. Colleagues, friends, and neighbours have often commented on my commitment, and some have even been encouraged to incorporate more walking or cycling into their own routines. For my daughters, growing up with active travel as a normal part of family life has shaped how they view movement, health, and sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Reflecting on 25 years of active travel, I can see the profound impact it has had on my health, my family, and my environment. While routines may continue to evolve, walking and cycling remain central to how I live. They are more than just methods of getting from one place to another they are daily practices that bring wellbeing, connection, and purpose.
A Small Step for a Lasting Change
My story is just one example of how active travel can transform daily life. You don’t need to commit to cycling every day or walking long distances to experience the benefits. Start small; walk your children to school a few days a week, choose to cycle for short commutes, or replace one car journey with a stroll to the shops. Each step and each pedal stroke add up to better health, stronger connections, and a more sustainable future.
