Road markers aim to encourage exercise

Markers have been installed along pavements and cycle paths on a stretch of the east coast of Guernsey to encourage islanders to exercise more.

The Health Improvement Commission and CMC Wellbeing have added blue concentric circles every 1,640ft (500m) on the pavements and cycle paths between North Beach and Bulwer Avenue, a distance of 1.5 miles (2.5km).

Coined the East Coast Runway, the organisations said they hoped the markings would motivate commuters to run, cycle or walk to work and residents to exercise more in their lunch breaks.

Director at CMC Wellbeing Guthrie Steer said there was "real potential" to expand the idea to other parts of the island.

Mr Steer said: "There is a health aspect associated with blue zones of longevity and by designing a single concentric circle, it makes it a recognisable health project, not just a road marking."

Signs have been installed at both ends of the route, one near the Petanque site and another opposite BBC Guernsey.

Alex Costen, the Be Active lead at the Heath Improvement Commission, said: "We want to inform people already using the area for commuting how far the distance is and hopefully motivate them to consider walking or cycling.

"There might also be employees working at Admiral Park who we hope will be encouraged to go for a lunchtime walk or to walk into town at lunchtime rather than drive."

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