18 Nov #Tendring: Beat the Street proves a success as over 10,000 took part
Beat the Street – a fun, free walking and cycling game that took place in Tendring earlier this Summer – has greatly reduced levels of inactivity in Tendring according to statistics released today.
More than 10,000 people took part in the innovative physical activity initiative which encouraged local residents to get active by tapping special sensors across Tendring with cards and fobs to receive points and help their school or community group win prizes.
In total, local families walked, ran and cycled more than 35,863 miles together; however, results from an end of game survey also reveal a huge reduction in inactivity thanks to Beat the Street.
Following completion of the game, players were asked to complete a survey to measure the impact of the walking and cycling game. The results of the survey revealed a significant reduction in adults doing 0 to 1 days of physical activity each week from 25% to just 9% of players.
In addition to the reduction in inactivity, there was a significant increase of adults meeting the Chief Medical Officer Guidelines of 150 minutes of exercise per week from 23% at the start of the game to 48% by the end of Beat the Street.
Other key highlights from the survey include:
• 84% of people reported increased walking, 68% increased cycling and 69% reported reduced car use.
• 11% of registered participants had a long-term condition.
• Two fifths of people who usually took the bus or train said they did this less than usual as a result of Beat the Street (40%).
• 92% of registered players said that they would recommend Beat the Street to their friends and family.
• 83% of registered players said that Beat the Street helped them go to different places and 75% said the game helped them learn more about their local area.
Speaking about the impact of Beat the Street in Tendring, Dr William Bird MBE – CEO and Founder of Intelligent Health – said: “Encouraging communities to get moving has more benefits than any other health intervention with inactivity linked to many long-term conditions.
“By getting thousands of people moving, Beat the Street will have a positive and lasting impact in Tendring tackling the underlying causes of inactivity – including promoting community cohesions, connecting residents to their neighbourhood and strengthening the resilience of the community.”
Since the game finished in July, the Beat the Street team have continued to help Tendring residents get active by promoting local activities and initiatives such as helping schools take part in the Daily Mile and supporting Clacton’s first ever parkrun event.
Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council, said; “The Beat the Street initiative saw an unprecedented response this summer and the 16% increase in Tendring residents now participating in some form of physical activity as a result is fantastic and something we’re extremely proud of.
“Inactivity is something we’re working hard to address in Essex and the great work carried out by Active Essex continues to ensure people across the county have opportunities to get active and take part in a sport or activity of their choice, at their chosen level.
“The legacy and positive impact of Beat the Street in just one Essex district has given us a great platform on which to build and expand on across the county, particularly as we continue our work to improve the long-term health of our residents.”
