Personal Safety

Walking is generally a very safe activity. The exercise itself keeps you fit and healthy and is low-impact, so should not cause problems with joints and bones, unless you have a medical condition that increases the risks, in which case you should consult your doctor for advice.

Most of the risks associated with walking are to do with the environment, traffic or other people. Below are some reminders of what you should consider to help you to stay safe, especially if you are walking alone:

  • Choose routes that are well-used and well-lit if you walk at night
  • Know where you’re going – if you don’t know the area well, take a map
  • Be aware of your surroundings and who is around you – assess potential risks. Be prepared to change your route if you feel unsafe for any reason.
  • Take some money with you in case you need to use public transport or pay phone
  • Take a mobile phone and/or make sure someone knows where you’ve gone and when you expect to be back. Programme your phone with some local taxi numbers just in case
  • Consider taking a personal alarm
  • If you listen to a personal stereo, make sure you can still hear what is going on around you and remain alert
  • Be prepared for the weather – sun, rain, heat or cold

Road Safety

Below are some specific reminders on how to stay safe when walking on and around the roads:

  • Take care on busy roads and road crossings, and paths shared with cyclists
  • Use the pavement if there is one and safe crossings wherever possible
  • Help drivers to see you - where there is no pavement, walk on the right facing oncoming traffic. Cross to the other side before sharp right-hand bends
  • Take special care on country roads with no pavements where traffic may be moving very fast
  • If walking at night, try to wear light coloured, and/or reflective clothing if appropriate
  • Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly if listening to music or using a mobile phone.

While no activity is entirely without risk and fears for personal security are understandable, incidents of personal attacks and assaults from strangers are still extremely rare.