Drive to somewhere to walk

Allow people to drive up to ten or twenty miles to go for a walk somewhere. One advantage is that it varies the walks people can do - something especially important for people who because of health issues can't walk long distances and/or need paved path (all abilities) or flat terrain. Another advantage is that people spread out over a wider countryside and not all congregate in and around villages and settlements, in turn making social distancing easier.

Why the contribution is important

This is particularly important for people with long-standing health issues (e.g. fatigue) for whom being outdoors is very important for their mental health but currently can't reach the path networks that suit their abilities because they need a little drive. Local path networks around villages also tend to become crowded and actually spreading the pressure over a wider area (less populated) might make social distancing easier.

by petrav on May 08, 2020 at 08:35AM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.7
Based on: 22 votes

Comments

  • Posted by agilchrist May 08, 2020 at 08:57

    We need to consider how to reduce the density of people in all situations outside home - so limit need to go anywhere for work or anything else and use all hours in the day. Ideally find a way to describe this - it’s about keeping distance between household units. Social distancing really is physical distancing. On most paths and pavements that’s really difficult So reduce traffic and widen walking and cycling spaces FAST. Emphasise the role of asymptomatic transmission- I’m a doctor and people just don’t get this yet. Any of us might have the virus at any time. We simply can’t tell. Unless we are all tested frequently we don’t know. That’s probably why there so much spread in hospitals among staff and in care homes as non specific symptoms are so common in frail elderly

  • Posted by Janhoppo May 08, 2020 at 08:59

    Where we live in Tibbermore we already have to negotiate a 40 mph country road without any footpath to take our dog for any kind of significant walk (she is a Rhodesian Ridgeback). Even then, our walk is up through farm access tracks and at the moment we have to be mindful of farming vehicle movements. Its certainly not ideal as our dog has to stay on the lead - we dont know what the farmer has been spraying on the fields either, so we are all exposed to whatever chemicals are present. We are fortunate the farmers are always courteous towards us and give us a cheery wave if they pass us. They have posted notices along the track with advice to walkers, which helps us all be responsible out in the countryside. We would usually drive about 10 miles to Crieff to McCrosty Park, where our dog can safely exercise off the lead and we can have a less fraught and longer walk. Is that considered too far to drive? We have been so good over the lockdown, we've never taken the dog out in the car and only drive to Tesco or farm shop for food. Rather than go out twice a day I'd rather be allowed to drive somewhere for one decent walk

  • Posted by Shunty May 08, 2020 at 09:05

    Individuals and small groups consisting of family members only, if good social distancing practices are maintained, this poses a low risk and benefits to mental health and well being.

  • Posted by ThargX May 08, 2020 at 09:29

    Open the roads that have been closed near the beaches. This is entirely unfair on the sort of people mentioned above who do not live somewhere where they are able to walk comfortably. Also some people might need to be driven somewhere so they can use a wheelchair to get fresh air and a view.

  • Posted by anniemckain May 08, 2020 at 10:10

    Would be good to be able to drive somewhere close to go for a walk

  • Posted by petrav May 08, 2020 at 10:24

    This idea was, of course, written on the assumption that we all access the countryside responsibly, being mindful of the preferences of farmers and others who work in the countryside, and doing everything we can to remain socially distanced and only enjoy the outdoors alone or with members of our household.
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