RED January boost for Travel Actively
March 4, 2024
This year, Travel Actively supported the nationwide movement for mental wellbeing by moving everyday for RED January. In Barrow and Carlisle we ran a variety of events, training and other activities throughout the month to encourage people to walk, wheel or cycle for their everyday journeys.
In Carlisle we arranged eight walks, three open gym taster sessions and one walk leader training session as part of our activities to celebrate RED January. The free open gym taster sessions were based at the Sands Centre and were an opportunity for anyone to discuss travel actively and expand their skills in walking or wheeling in an indoor setting prior to getting outdoors.
The events were very well received. Some highlights from the gym sessions' participants are included below.

Barrow took part in the RED January campaign, with a series of walks, a walk leader training event and weekly indoor inclusive Wheels for All sessions. The walks took place at various locations, including Walney shoreline from the Roundhouse, Barrow Park and Barrow Town Centre. In total, 36 people attended the three walks, with three of those participants signing up to become walk leaders themselves.
Walk leader training took place at Barrow library, with nine people attending from a variety of organisations, interests and backgrounds. Two of the participants will be using their training and knowledge to host walks within their organisations, and five are going to buddy up to begin brand new walks, focusing on the new Hiking Household Barrow Park Bench Walk and a series of historical walks.
The Wheels for All inclusive cycling offer was hosted by Barrow Leisure Centre and delivered by Wheels for All coordinator, Erin Benson. This has been a wonderful opportunity for people to access cycling on adapted bikes through the winter, as sessions took place in the sports hall, a safe and warm environment for people from all ages and ability levels to have fun and build their confidence with cycling.
Overall, RED January was a success for Travel Actively, helping members of our communities to move everyday.