An interactive game that rewards people for walking and cycling is set to launch in Merton. The game is free and open to anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough and will take place from 15 March to 26 April 2023.
Beat the Street was created by GP Dr William Bird to encourage people to explore their local area and to make exercise fun. It is part of the Actively Merton programme, which supports people to be more physically and socially active, delivered in a way that residents want.
More than 1.5 million people have played Beat the Street so far, in more than 120 locations across the UK. It is designed to get people to move more and make small lifestyle changes, such as walking or cycling to school or work more often.
“Beat the Street is a new and different way of helping people to be more active, which is also great fun.”
Mark Creelman, NHS South West London
Beat the Street has a significant impact on increasing levels of physical activity among adults and children. It also helps reduce congestion, improving air quality, and encourages families spend time together, exploring local green spaces.
To play, children use a special tap card and paper map, which will be distributed by participating primary schools. Adults can pick up their free card from one of Merton’s libraries or leisure centres. Players over the age of 13 can download the free Beat the Street app to play the game by tapping their phone.
Players can join a school, community or workplace team. There are also teams for the two official charities of the Mayor of Merton, Councillor Joan Henry – Dons Local Action Group and Jimmy Asher Foundation. There will be prizes for the teams that travel the furthest, with vouchers for books and sports equipment on offer. Beat the Street leader boards allow players and teams to compare their progress and compete with opportunities for teams of all sizes to win prizes.
Once the game is underway, players find their nearest of 200 Beat Boxes, which are contactless card readers positioned on lampposts around the borough. Beat Boxes record each player’s points tally and can be found near schools, leisure centres and green spaces. Participants can record their activity and add points by hovering their card over the reader.
It’s perfect for boosting mental health and bringing people together.”
Mark Creelman, NHS South West London
Councillor Peter McCabe, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We’re delighted to bring Beat the Street to Merton. It’s free to take part in Beat the Street and it’s open to everyone regardless of age, ability or background. This inclusive and compelling game encourages you to exercise in a fun way with your friends and family, plus explore your local area.”
Mark Creelman, Place Executive – Merton and Wandsworth, NHS South West London added: “Beat the Street is a new and different way of helping people to be more active, which is also great fun. It’s perfect for boosting mental health and bringing people together too. We can’t wait to see how many active travel miles Merton’s communities clock up.”
Beat the Street Merton has been commissioned by Merton Council and NHS South West London with support from the National Lottery via Sport England. It is being delivered by Intelligent Health.
