Call to Fifers to stay active and get outdoors during festive season
Now, Fife Council has urged people to make the most of their time off after a tough year living under COVID restrictions and working from home.
It has made changes across the region to make it safe for people to use its network of cycle paths and walkways.
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Hide AdSome streets and spaces in towns and villages have also been adapted to help with physical distancing and to make more space for queuing or passing each other.
The council says that while the tweaks made are temporary, there is still a need for people to physically distance.
Councillor Altany Craik, economy and tourism convener, said: “We want more people in Fife to be able to walk and cycle safely.
“This will help to make the region more sustainable and ready for the future. By improving networks for pedestrians and cyclists,
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Hide Ad“Active travel is great for the environment as well as helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“Getting out for some fresh air is vital and we must all physically distance while outside. The temporary changes are in place to protect public safety.
“Each and every one of us continues to play a vital role in suppressing Covid-19 by sticking to the 2m distancing rule.”
Right now, there is no better time to start exploring your own backyard.
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Hide AdIf you are missing travel, try reconnecting with local history and nature.
The increased support for local businesses is also important in reviving local economies. Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise and easily accessible.
Go exploring! The holiday season is a great time to get outside and discover new walking paths or tracks.
Cycling is great for leisure or a healthier, more environmentally friendly way of commuting.
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If you are new to cycling or want to build up your confidence, try biking around quiet streets or somewhere off-road, like a park, to begin with.
Once you feel confident enough, you can start branching out to longer cycling routes.
Consider making some changes once you get back to work.
On your way to work, take the stairs rather than the lift, or walk or cycle rather than driving. Exercise can perk you up and improve sense of wellbeing during your day.
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Hide AdCycling, walking and running either to work or at weekends will clear your mind and create some positive headspace.
With most of us being in sedentary jobs it’s never been more important to get active.
Stand and stretch, rather than sit the whole way through meetings. This is just as important if you are taking part in online meetings while working from home.
Meg Buchanan, Fife Council Active Communities Team, added: “We want to encourage everyone to become more active and enjoy the health benefits of physical activity, sport and leisure to both their physical and mental health. Fife has safely brought back organised sport and physical acivity over the last few months and offer a number of opportunities using both leisure facilities and our green space across Fife.”