The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence claims the average time we spent walking or cycling in 2007 had fallen to 11 minutes compared to 12.9 minutes ten years earlier.

The health watchdog wants to reverse the decline and is encouraging commuters to either walk or get on a bike for short trips rather than drive. NICE is also hoping local authorities will recognise the benefits of walking and cycling by promoting car-free days, cycle hire and cycle / walking routes.