News Archives - Walking

From Zimmer frame to Zeen – the mobility aid reimagined

Zimmer frames, rollators, tri-walkers – call them what you will, the humble walking frame makes life a little easier for many with impaired mobility. However, while these simple, lightweight mobility aids offer more stability than crutches or a walking stick, they’ve barely evolved since they were invented here in the UK by William Robb in the 1940s. Until now. Described…

The road to Damascus has a 20mph speed limit

Motoring journalist James May has told listeners of Radio 4’s Today programme that he’s supportive of changing the default speed limit to 20 mph, conceding that ’30mph does feel too fast’ in the area of London where he lives. It’s a sentiment that would have raised eyebrows from May’s co-presenters on Top Gear, but may be a reflection of changing…

Tactical urbanism: When zebra crossings go rogue

What should we do in the face of dangerous roads? Accept the risks as an unfortunate reality of life or, in the face of relentless apathy from the authorities, should the otherwise law-abiding person take matters into their own hands and resort to tactical urbanism? A century of protest against road harm Protests against road danger are as old as…

We’re in desperate need of safer roads for walking, cycling and living

This was the week that saw a mother and child killed by a driver as they walked along a pavement on their way to nursery – the carnage witnessed by other pre-school-age kids. You might think such a horrific event is rare, but each year in the UK over 40 people are killed by drivers as they walk on the…

Illegal number plates, ‘criminal mischief’ & London’s expanding ULEZ

As the ULEZ (ultra-low emissions zone) expands this summer to take in the whole of Greater London, expect a surge in law breaking by the drivers of non-compliant cars unwilling to pay the charge. We’ve heard of people going to extreme lengths to avoid the £12.50 daily charge – most of which involve obscuring the number plate to avoid detection…