Healthy streets and active travel in Higham Hill

The environment we live in can have an important influence on our health. Street design can affect how easy it is to build physical activity into everyday life, as well as exposure to air pollution and noise, road safety, accessibility, and whether walking, wheeling or cycling feel like realistic options for local journeys.

Dr Duncan Wallace, GP Partner at Higham Hill Medical Centre, recently contributed a Q&A to Higham Hill Safer Streets about the relationship between street design, physical activity and public health.

Higham Hill Medical Centre has also applied to become an Active Travel Practice, having met the required criteria.

As part of this work, we are looking at practical ways to increase the number of patients and staff who walk, wheel or cycle to the surgery where this is practical and appropriate. This includes looking at cycle parking, step-free access and how easy it is to reach and enter the practice using a wheelchair, mobility aid or other form of active travel.

The practice already has access ramps to support step-free entry, and we want to continue improving how accessible the surgery is for people travelling in different ways.

Active travel will not be suitable for everyone, and some patients will need to travel by car. The aim is to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer, easier and more realistic options for people who are able to choose them.

We are pleased to support local efforts that help people stay active, independent and connected to their community.