Creating Active Environments

Active environments

Sport England’s Uniting the Movement strategy recognises active environments as one of the five big issues with the greatest potential for tackling inequalities in physical activity. The places and spaces around us – including where we live, work, study and spend our leisure time – can have a significant impact on how and when we move, contributing to our overall activity levels.

Reaching rural areas

The rural nature of Lincolnshire brings both challenges and opportunities in terms of creating active environments. With over 50% of the population living in rural areas, many have limited access to dedicated sport and leisure facilities. To address this issue, Active Lincolnshire supports the development of new and existing facilities, as well as championing initiatives that are community-focused, environmentally sound, financially sustainable and contribute to reducing inequalities.

Supporting community spaces

We also support community spaces, which are critical for the provision of local activities that meet the needs of the communities that they serve. Spaces like village halls, play areas and local clubs are all crucial services that need to offer activities that are relevant and appealing to local people.

Developing infrastructure

The built environment, our road infrastructure and our towns can all be developed to encourage more active daily lives. One way to do this is by including footpaths and cycleways alongside significant transport developments, making it easy to move around towns and cities on foot and by bike – reducing our reliance on cars.

Green and blue spaces

Lincolnshire is rich in green and blue spaces, with over 50 miles of coastline and inland waterways, along with the rolling hills of the Wolds and the flat Fenlands – perfect for walking, running and cycling. There are lots of opportunities to make it easier for people to access these spaces, requiring collaboration, a shared vision and a commitment to understanding how and when people want to use these areas.

Imagine a county where rivers are clean and safe to swim in, off-road walking trails and footpaths are well maintained and signposted, and our rural lanes are safe for cyclists. That’s our vision for Lincolnshire.

Active travel

Whether it’s walking to school, cycling to work or another everyday journey, active travel is a convenient, accessible way for people to incorporate more activity into their daily lives. Active travel also positively impacts climate change, reducing our reliance on cars and contributing to the county’s carbon-neutral goals.

Active Lincolnshire works with partners from local, regional and national organisations to understand and influence a modal shift, encouraging active travel across the county. We also support Lincolnshire County Council’s walking and cycling strategy development, in partnership with district authorities.

Safety is the number one concern for people looking for alternatives to travelling by car. That’s why we work with these local partners to make sure Lincolnshire’s roads and footpaths are safe and well signposted, making it easy for people to complete their journeys on foot or by bike.

Other partners supporting Lincolnshire to provide more active travel options include national organisations like Sustrans, Cycling UK and British Cycling.