South Lanarkshire Community Thrives with Beat the Street Game, Boosting Active Lifestyles
A South Lanarkshire community has seen a significant impact on its residents’ physical activity levels six months after participating in the Beat the Street game. The game, which encourages walking, cycling, scooting, and running, has left a positive mark on participants.
A recent report delved into the long-term effects of the game by surveying participants six months later. The results highlighted that Beat the Street has had a lasting impact on the active travel levels of local residents, inspiring them to take up cycling and cycle training.
Beat the Street East Kilbride took place in the autumn of 2022 and engaged around 15.7% of the town’s population, which amounts to 11,803 residents. Collectively, they walked, cycled, and ran an impressive 58,478 miles over the six-week duration of the game.
Councillor Robert Brown (Rutherglen South), Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, expressed his delight with the success of Beat the Street in South Lanarkshire. He emphasized that the game not only promotes healthier lifestyles and participation in sports and activities but also provides opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
One remarkable aspect of the initiative is the collaboration with the Bikeability scheme, which educates participants about safe cycling in the area. Thanks to the efforts of the Beat the Street Engagement Coordinators Craig and Margaret Dalziel, nine members of Universal Connections were trained as Bikeability Instructors under Cycling Scotland’s program. These instructors will now be able to deliver courses to young people and children in their care, as well as run classes during school holidays.
Universal Connections also received assistance in sourcing a fleet of new bikes, along with maintenance courses and necessary parts to sustain the fleet’s future. Moreover, 24 sixth-year students from St Andrews and St Brides High School underwent training to become Bikeability Instructors. They are now equipped to provide on-road cycle training to primary school children, further expanding the impact of the initiative.
The positive effects of Beat the Street continue to be felt within the community, demonstrating the potential for games and schemes of this nature to promote active lifestyles and create lasting change. By engaging residents and nurturing a love for physical activity, South Lanarkshire has successfully demonstrated the power of community involvement and collaboration in fostering healthier lives.
The success of Beat the Street in South Lanarkshire serves as an inspiration and example for other communities, showcasing the benefits of initiatives that promote active living and instigate social change. With continued support and cooperation, more communities can thrive, encouraging their residents to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
So, lace up your walking shoes or grab your bike, because Beat the Street is transforming lives, one step at a time.
Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over, give us a like, and share!
