The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has called for more emphasis to be placed on promoting walking and cycling to tackle physical inactivity in the UK.

Cycle use is lower in Britain than it is in many other European countries, a statistic NICE wants to improve by coordinated action to identify and address the barriers that may be discouraging people from taking to their bikes.

As part of its recommendations, published today (28 November), NICE stated that town-wide programmes should be put in place to promote cycling for both transport and recreational purposes.

These could include cycle hire schemes, car-free events or days, providing information such as maps and route signing, activities and campaigns that emphasise the benefits of cycling, fun rides, and others.

According to NICE, walking routes should also be integrated with accessible public transport links to support longer journeys. Signage should give details of the distance and/or walking time, in both directions, between public transport facilities and key destinations.

Professor Mike Kelly, Director of the Centre for Public Health Excellence at NICE, said: "As a nation, we are not physically active enough and this can contribute to a wide range of health problems.

"It is important that there is comprehensive, evidence-based guidance in place that can help address these issues. We want to encourage and enable people to walk and cycle more and weave these forms of travel into everyday life.

"This guidance is aimed at making it easier for people to do this, as well as explaining the benefits and helping to address some of the safety fears that some people may have."

To read more on the NICE statement, click here.