I think we’re missing a word in the English language.
We have big plans to grow the Slow Ways network beyond walking, to include running, wheeling, cycling and even horse riding.
But when it comes to describing what we’re doing, saying “walking, running, wheeling and cycling” is clumsy. It’s too long, and it has no charm.
The term Active Travel gets used a lot, but it feels limited. It usually reduces walking, running, wheeling and cycling into purely functional transport. It misses the wider range of reasons people move under their own steam – for work, recreation, reflection, connection, exploration, play, pilgrimage, or a mix of all of these.
What happens when a group of us travel by foot and by wheel, for work and for fun, all at the same time – whatever our purpose? How do we describe that?
What we really need is a single word for the collective activity of walking, running, wheeling and cycling – something broad enough to hold all the motivations, and simple enough to bring it to life.
We’d love to hear your ideas for words – whether they’re ones we’ve overlooked, forgotten, or completely new inventions. What should we call this shared way of people-powered moving? And what other word could include horse riding too?
Let us know your ideas by posting on our Loopedin page here or messaging us on social media – our hashtag is #SlowWays.
We hope to use the best suggestions. Let’s see what everyone can come up with!
