Active Travel
Perth and Kinross on the Go
PK on the Go is a dedicated active travel and sustainable transport site helping residents and visitors to Perth and Kinross to save money, time and hassle while they travel. The programme aims to enhance the region’s urban environments, by reducing traffic congestion and therefore pollution, and helping people be a bit more active.
PK on the Go provides a range or guidance including tips for walking to work, active travel networks, cycling safety, bicycle recycling, improving health and wellbeing.
Benefits of walking, cycling, rolling
Transport is the biggest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland. But it’s also an area where we have an opportunity to significantly reduce our emissions by choosing more active forms of travel. Most journeys we make are under 5km and if we choose to walk, wheel or cycle instead of taking the car for these shorter journeys, we’ll be playing our part in helping reach our net zero emissions target. Cycling can be quick way to travel for short journeys and its free. It really doesn’t take too long – most people can cycle two miles in 10 minutes.
Studies have also shown that people report health and wellbeing benefits after spending time outdoors – we’re able to de-stress, relax and unwind, feel energised and revitalised and our physical health is improved. Therefore, by reducing our transport emissions through choosing to walk, wheel or cycle, it’ll have a positive impact on our health and wellbeing.
Walking can be quick way to travel for short journeys – and it’s free! It really doesn’t take too long – most people can walk half a mile in 10 minutes.
Walking is good for you as it:
- Saves you money
- Lifts your mood
- Improves your concentration
- Helps you sleep at night
- Is a good way to spend quality time with family or friends
- Helps you get some exercise each day
It’s recommended that adults do 2 1/2 hours of moderate intensity activity per week (around 20 – 30 minutes a day), but many of us find it difficult to achieve this. Walking is one of the easiest ways to get exercise into your daily routine; a 10-minute walk three times a day or a 15-minute walk twice a day will help you reach that target. Try to walk briskly if you can get your heart rate up. Swapping short car journeys for a walk to the shops or school, going for a walk at lunchtime or meeting friends for a regular walk and a chat are all ways to build walking into your day.
The beauty of everyday walking is that most of us can do it, and there’s no need for any specialist equipment – just having comfortable shoes and being prepared for whatever the weather brings.
Green Routes
The Perth & Kinross Council’s Traffic and Network Team are introducing Green Routes in various areas in Perth and Kinross, to encourage walking and cycling. The Green Routes help connect up local communities providing economic benefits by encouraging leisure trips in these areas. Green routes are narrow country roads where reduced speed limits have been introduced to make them safer and more attractive to improve road safety and reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.
Cycle Routes
Around Perth and Kinross there are a number of cycle routes or paths where cycling is encouraged including the Heritage Trail around Loch Leven, the Provost Walk in Auchterarder and the River Tay Way. Perthshire Gravel provides a range of routes including, day rides, backpacking routes and family friendly rides. The Perth Lade is asset to the city as a green corridor and a convenient walking and cycling route from the city centre.
Criss crossing across Perth and Kinross is the National Cycle Network, connecting Perth and Kinross into the neighbouring local authority areas of Fife, Dundee, Stirling and Highland. The National Cycle Network has been developed by Sustrans and includes several sections that are car free, more information about the routes can be found on Sustrans website along with places of interest to visit along the way.
Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust
The Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) is working on improving and promoting paths in the Perth and Kinross Area, check out their website to view map of local countryside paths in Auchterarder, Blairgowrie, Crieff, Dunkeld, Pitlochry and more! PKCT are currently working on a new active travel route from Bridge of Earn to Newburgh, Fife in partnership with the Perth and Kinross Council.
If you enjoy walking and would like to find out about walking groups in your area, visit the Stride for Life, Live Active webpage
Upgrading your bike? Your old one could have more to give. Watch this video for guidance.