Sheffield Launches First Urban Walks Map
| Published: 3rd October 2008 16:48 |
SHEFFIELD LAUNCHES FIRST URBAN WALKS MAP
A new project has been launched in Sheffield aimed at encouraging less mobile people and those new to walking to use tested routes in their local areas.
The city's Walking Forum has devised the first in a series of Urban Walk Maps in an innovative approach to encourage less mobile people and those new to walking to walk more independently within their local community. The maps will be aimed at people with no previous experience of map reading and the routes chosen will be accessible to people with little or no previous experience of independent walking.
The maps will be introduced to prospective users by a health walk leader or health professional instead of being circulated for general distribution to overcome any potential barriers to access, to build confidence and to provide encouragement.
The Walking Forum is part of Sheffield's partnership structure under Active Sheffield, the partnership working to increase levels of physical activity in the city. The group's members include Sheffield City Council, the Primary Care Trust (NHS) and local groups, such as Sheffield Ramblers Association, University of the Third Age and Access to Moorlands.
Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, the Council's Cabinet member for Climate Change and Local Environment commented: "The main aim of the project is to increase the number of people walking independently within their local green spaces, parks and woodlands, particularly amongst the less active. It's a great way to encourage people to become more active and enjoy some our lovely green spaces and woodlands at the same time!"
The project will develop one Urban Walk route, called Step Out, for each Area Panel area that may be linked together where possible to create longer routes for progression.
The first map will feature Roe Woods which lies off Barnsley Road and Norwood Road in the Fir Vale area. The maps will give information about the condition of the path, such as the type of path surface, gradient and path width, which will enable walkers to make informed decisions about whether they attempt some or all of the walk.
Partners who will help to distribute the maps include Health Walk leaders, health professionals, Physical Activity Referral Scheme staff, Sure Start, Community Forums and Activity Sheffield area teams
All maps will be tested by several less able walkers to ensure appropriate accessible information is included on the maps and feedback will be gathered on each one at regular intervals.
