Today I took on the BBC in a rush-hour race to their Bristol studios. I left Temple Meads Station on foot and arrived safe, sound and full of energy 15 minutes ahead of the BBC reporter, who travelled by bus.

Radio Bristol issued the challenge on the day we launched walkit.com in Bristol, as part of our Sustainable Bristol City Region programme. walkit.com is a great website which provides all the essential information for anyone considering a journey on foot within a 5km radius of the city centre. You simply put in the two points you want to travel between, which then generates a map and directions and also shows the health and environmental benefits of choosing to walk.

So my walkit.com map for my rush hour race showed me journey time (25mins) calories burnt (150) and CO2 emissions saved in comparison to taking the car, bus or taxi (average 0.5kg).

Needless to say BBC Radio Bristol were impressed, particularly by all the detail that walkit.com provides for each journey taken. The launch generated a great deal of interest, with Bristol City Council Leader Helen Holland lending her support to the importance of encouraging people to get out of their cars in such a walkable city.

We have high hopes for walkit.com in Bristol, and are aiming for up to 20,000 users and over 50,000 walking routes generated in the first year. Evidence from users of walkit.com in other cities identifies that 90% are encouraged to walk ahead of other transport modes, with over 75% encouraged to take extra physical exercise. So watch this space for updates on how walkit.com is working in Bristol.

Choosing to get out of your car for short journeys makes great sense. It’s free, is good for your general health and well-being, and also reduces your carbon footprint into the bargain. A resource like walkit.com is just what we need to support people to try a different way of travelling, both for work and leisure.

We are very grateful to Bristol Primary Care Trust, Bristol City Council and Triodos Bank for their support in the development and launch of this website.


Susan Warren heads up the Forum’s Sustainable Bristol City Region Programme