Get Active this May for National Walking and Cycling Month

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to Think Green and get active this May to celebrate National Walking and Cycling Month.

The NHS recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week, which can be split into 10-30 minutes a day, five times a week. For inspiration and encouragement download the Active 10 Walking Tracker app.

It can be as simple as a brisk walk or a bike ride, as long as the exercise is quick enough to raise your heart rate.

Other benefits of walking and cycling include, an immediate effect on your health, as people who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long-term conditions such as, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers.

Walking and cycling, instead of using cars and public transport, also helps takes care of the planet by reducing air pollution.

It also allows residents to improve mental wellbeing by boosting self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy.

Being active provides the opportunity to socialise and meet new people, as there are lots of walking and cycling communities or groups to get involved with.

The In Tameside website highlights regular guided walks, which vary in distance and difficulty, so there is a walk suitable for all. To find out more information click here. Residents can also explore the local parks and greenspaces here, as well as, the Tame Valley Loop.

The Tame Valley Mountain Bike Association offer beginner’s rides, where you can borrow a mountain bike.

Tameside Women’s Cycling Club, who are based at the King George V Playing Field, also run regular sessions, with loan bikes available. Or there is the Tameside Cycle track, with a range of bikes, adapted bikes and a 1k circular route.

Throughout May, there is also the Greater Manchester Walking Festival, which will involve over 350 walking and wheeling events. Check for events near you here.

Residents can take part in the Bike Month Challenge, where every ride earns points and the more points means more chances of winning prizes.

The Manchester Bike Kitchen is a pop-up shop located in Hyde, Clarendon Square Shopping Centre (48-50 Rutherford Way, SK14 2QT) open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am till 4pm. It sells new, pre-loved adults and children’s bikes and provides low cost repairs and services. The shop also has a bike library where residents are able to loan a bike for a few weeks.

A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “We think this is a fantastic opportunity for residents to get out and about exploring all whilst getting in their 30 minutes of exercise a day.

“We have plenty of walks and cycling routes for everyone to get involved, as not only are you helping yourselves but you’re also helping the environment.”

For more information about walks and trails in Tameside, click here. To find out more details on how and where to get cycling or to find cycle clubs and events, click here.

If you would like health and wellbeing support and advice contact Be Well Tameside, by calling 0161 342 5050 or email bewelltameside@tameside.gov.uk or you can visit their website here.