Modeshift will be introducing an inspiring Active Travel Champion each week throughout Black History Month to celebrate every day people inspiring every day journeys.
A celebration of walking and cycling during Black History Month and beyond!
This week we meet Carla Leowe, Active Travel Champion.
Tell us about you and your active journey, who you are, where you live and whether you are heels or wheels?
I’m Carla Leowe and I live in Essex but work in London for the City of Westminster
I prefer to use my feet to get to out and about in the City.
Today I am completing site assessments for School Streets.
Where do you stroll? How far is the journey, where do you go, how often and who with and do you have a favourite journey, destination or route?
Today my journey is over 5 miles, approximately 13,000 steps! This is usual for my job and I usually do this from 2 to 4 days of the week. I often do this by myself or have fellow colleagues with me.
I try and fit as much of my walking in when on the way to and from work, and sometimes at lunchtimes when I have to take a quick stroll for a break.
One of my favourite walks is through St James’s Park as it is green, calm, has an array of birds and people milling about enjoying the views of Horse Guards Parade and more.
What motivates you to stroll? When did it all start? Why do travel this way? Is there someone who inspires you and how does it make you feel?
I have always walked everywhere from a young age and was encouraged to do so at any opportunity, whether that be school, to the shops or longer journeys to different parks and areas. My mum said you can take in more around you if you walk and do it at your own pace. This still holds true for me now.
How do you champion the cause? What words of encouragement or advice would you give someone to follow in your steps?
Start off small and take short walking journeys then you can build up for longer ones.
