Birmingham joins Partnership for Health Cities

Birmingham City Council has joined the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of 70 cities, in a bid to increase safe and active mobility for all citizens.

Birmingham has 571 parks; more green space than any other European city, and 35 miles of waterways; more miles of canals than Venice. The council claims that daily walks could increase the city’s productivity by 30 per cent, however nearly 25 per cent of adults in the region aren’t even walking for 10 minutes or doing any cycling per month.

Concerning cycling, more than 50 per cent of Birmingham residents would like to cycle more. The Birmingham Cycle Revolution improved walking and cycling routes, including 30 miles of towpaths and 20 miles of green routes. Only one per cent of people in Birmingham currently cycle to work.

Paulette Hamilton, cabinet member for health and social care at Birmingham City Council, said: “We’re proud to join this prominent group of cities working to ensure longer, fuller lives for their residents. In Birmingham we are reflecting our global city by focusing on how we can encourage our ethnically diverse citizens to shift everyday short trips from cars to foot, bicycle or public transport. Moving away from the car is not just good for health, it’s also good for the environment, and one of the small steps we can all make to improve the city.”

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries are responsible for eight in 10 deaths globally.