Category: News

15-minute cities (20-minute neighbourhoods) have been a hot top topic as of late, causing split opinions. Some people are for the idea, and some people are strongly against it.

The idea is to make amenities more accessible. By improving walking and cycling routes whilst increasing the number of amenities available within a 15 minute walking/cycling distance. This distance is roughly a 1-mile radius on foot, and a 3-mile radius on a bicycle.

Making cities more accessible means providing more essential amenities such as GP surgeries, banks, and schools. This will reduce the need for harmful motorised vehicles and therefore make for a healthier environment.

What the people want

‘YouGov’ survey results have shown that most brits would support their local authority of making any changes necessary to implement 15-minute cities. However, it is accepted that in rural area this will be a much harder task.

“Around nine in ten believe that people should have a bus stop (90%), and a post box (87%) within a 15-minute walk of their home. Having medical facilities such as a pharmacy (85%) and a GP surgery (83%) should also be included in the target according to most Britons. However, less than half see the need for a shopping centre (28%), restaurant (38%) or hairdressers (46%) to be close by. “

Banks, Pharmacies, and surgeries are among the most desired and important amenities but are currently going unfulfilled. The unbalance in amenities it seems, is the main reason the public have to use their cars.

Why there is such uproar

The 15-minute city message has perhaps been misinterpreted, as it has sparked wild socialist theories that suggest the government want to isolate people to restricted areas, stripping them of their freedom…

Whereas others struggle to see where this has come from, how could having everything you need within 15 minutes be considered isolated? The idea does not intend to restrict people from leaving their ‘areas’, the idea aims to put everything within walking and cycling distance.

There is nothing worse than having to drive 20 minutes to another town for a simple prescription, or to post a parcel!

Where 15 minute cities are in use

The concept is currently being used large cities such as Melbourne and Paris, and all the results are positive.

Paris adopted this idea in 2020; where they added more local amenities and increased cycle lanes which resulted in a rise in local businesses due to the increased foot traffic, specifically bakeries!

Isn’t this what we love about going on holiday? Walking around, stopping at a local café or bar, visiting the bakery in the morning… This is what 15-minute cities could bring.

Electric scooter hire has also had huge success in Paris, with 20% of scooter journeys replacing car journeys. This suggests that where people are leaving their cars, they’re happily substituting with a great sustainable alternative; and usage is increasing each year!

How we can benefit

The concept has been proposed to provide benefits to communities, with health and accessibility at the forefront. Once we stop relying on our cars, we will see great improvements on all other aspects in our society.

The main goal of 15 minute cities is to make it easier to use active travel to get from A to B, but why not get a head start! Here’s how you can start to incorporate active travel into your daily life.

See YouGov article here.

We wanted to highlight 5 important reasons why YOU should incorporate sustainable travel into your everyday life. What we find is; it’s good for you and good for your community. Here are the 5 reasons:

1. Environmental impact
2. Health benefits
3. Financial savings
4. Community engagement
5. Future impact

Environmental impact

Reducing single occupancy car use helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, contributing to a more sustainable environment.

The transportation sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and single occupancy vehicles are a major contributor to this problem, producing approximately 180g of CO2 per kilometre. These pollutants released into the atmosphere are largely contributing to climate change and air pollution.

By reducing single occupancy vehicle use and incorporating sustainable travel options, individuals can help to lower their personal carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment. In addition, relying less on cars and more on sustainable modes of transportation can help to reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which are finite resources that contribute to global warming when burned. Making the switch to sustainable travel options can help to create a more environmentally friendly future for all.

Health benefits

Incorporating sustainable travel such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation into daily life can lead to improved physical and mental health. Walking and cycling can help to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease; whilst also leading to improved mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.

Although not as ‘physical’ as active travel, using public transportation, can also provide health benefits. Firstly, public transport often can’t take you door to do, therefore having to include walking into your journey.

Not having to worry about driving and parking, (which can be stressful and time-consuming) is better for both our mental and physical health; repeated stress can lead to high blood pressure, which may lead to heart disease or strokes.

Financial savings

Reliance on single occupancy vehicles often leads to high running costs, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance. Owning and operating a car requires a significant investment of money and ongoing expenses such as fuel, oil changes, tyre changes, and insurance. In contrast, using sustainable travel options such as public transportation, walking, or cycling can be a much more cost-effective way to get around.

There are also small indirect costs that can start to add up such as parking fees, tolls, and the cost of congestion. By reducing the use of single occupancy vehicles, individuals can avoid these additional costs and reduce their overall transportation expenses.

Investing in sustainable travel options such as a bicycle or a bus/train pass may be an intimidating upfront cost but is likely to be a smart financial decision in the long-term. Not only can it lead to lower daily expenses, but it can also help individuals save money on health care costs by promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Community engagement

Using sustainable travel options, such as public transportation, can create opportunities for social interaction and community engagement, which is great, especially when you’re new to the area. Public transportation provides a shared space for individuals to come together and interact with one another, promoting a sense of community. It also provides opportunities to connect with people from different walks of life, promoting cultural understanding and diversity.

Whereas driving a single occupancy vehicle can be quite lonely, often involving long periods of time alone in a vehicle. By incorporating sustainable travel options into daily life, individuals have the opportunity to break out of their isolated routines and connect with others in their communities.

Using sustainable travel options can also support local businesses and promote walkable, liveable communities. Walking and cycling can help to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment, encouraging the development of local shops, restaurants, and other amenities that support community engagement and interaction. The idea of liveable communities has already began to come to fruition, in forms of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), which are gaining popularity and providing positive results.

Future impact

Making a personal commitment to reducing single occupancy car use and incorporating sustainable travel sets a positive example for future generations and helps to create a more sustainable future for all. The choices that individuals make today can have a significant impact on the future and reducing single occupancy car use is a key step towards creating a more sustainable future.

Incorporating sustainable travel into daily life can also help to create demand for more sustainable transportation infrastructure, such as cycle lanes, pedestrian walkways, and public transportation systems. This can lead to the development of more sustainable communities, where walking, cycling, and public transportation are safe and accessible modes of transportation for everyone.

Overall,

making a personal commitment to reducing single occupancy car use and incorporating sustainable travel is an important step towards creating a more sustainable future for all. It sets a positive example for future generations and helps to create a more liveable, healthy, and environmentally friendly world.

Where to start?

To help you get started, here are some great apps and websites to download:

• UK Bus Checker
• Railcard
• Liftshare

Public transport is a great step towards becoming more sustainable; active travel is even better! See how you can use Active Travel in your everyday travels.

 Who is Cambridge Connect?

Cambridge Connect is an independent initiative aimed at creating a sustainable and rapid transit system to address the transport challenges that Cambridge faces. The initiative is not aligned with any political party, organisation, or group and aims to contribute to discussions about medium to long-term solutions based on research and data.

Cambridge Connect is committed to investigating underground Light Rail as the most practical long-term transit solution without impacting the historic city core.

What is Light Rail?

Light Rail is a system of railways usually powered by overhead electrical wires and used for medium-capacity local transportation in metropolitan areas. Light rail vehicles (LRVs) are a technological outgrowth of trams and metros. Light rail transit lines are more segregated from street traffic than tramways, and the several lines of rail will be a combination of both underground and overground. The purpose is to provide a sustainable mode of transport to accommodate the steep incline in population.

Proposal:

The Isaac Newton Line

The Isaac Newton Line will be the main and longest line in this proposal, running for 47km from Cambourne in the west to Haverhill in the southeast. It will be delivered in three phases:

• Phase One

o 20km

o Set to cost £632 million

o From the Girton Interchange to Granta Park via Eddington, the University West Campus, Grange Road, City Centre, Cambridge Central Rail Station, Addenbrookes, Shelford and Sawston.

• Phase Two

o 12km

o Extend from the Girton Interchange to Cambourne.

• Phase Three

o 15km

o Extend from Granta Park to Haverhill.

The Darwin Line:

The Darwin Line would include stops at Clay Farm, Trumpington and Trumpington Meadows (near M11).

• Phase One

o 2 km

o Would include the southern spur of the converted guided busway to Trumpington, linking key residential, commercial, educational, health and employment centres in Cambridge and the nearby area.

• Phase Two

o 6.5 km

o Would extend from the University of Cambridge West Campus to the Science Park and Cambridge North Station. This line would also include stops at Darwin Green residential development, linking the West Campus to Cambourne (Isaac Newton Line) and to the Science Park (Darwin Line).

There will be 2.6km of tunnel built with one full underground station in Cambridge city centre, costing £100m. One cut and cover station are also proposed for Parkside, costing £50m.

How it could benefit

We are facing economic issues that need action, particularly in the post-pandemic period when the public transport sector has taken a hit, especially bus travel. This is not good in the current state of the climate emergency. The cost-of-living crisis is also affecting the way people travel. Moreover, we’re seeing a rapid increase in population which, if the right infrastructure is not in place, will cause stress on the environment and cities’ capabilities.

Cambridge Connect states that their city will need better public transport infrastructure in 10-15 years due to the forecasted population growth. “It’s projected that ~120,000 more people will be residents in Cambridge City and the surrounding South Cambs District by 2031 than in 2011: the equivalent of the population of Cambridge City again.”

A light rail system of this size is likely to take 10–15 years. Therefore, Cambridge Connect is extremely keen to turn this proposal into a reality.

What do you think? Are you for, or against the Light Rail concept?

Link to case studies: https://www.cambridge-connect.uk/resources/case-studies/

What are cargo bikes? 

Some may have heard the phrase thrown around and for some, this is a completely new subject, but cargo bikes have the potential to revolutionise transportation and be the best new mode of transport to fight climate change. 

Cargo refers to the haulage of goods from one place to another, so quite simply a cargo bike is one that is designed, built, and strengthened specifically to carry goods/items: serving as an environmentally friendly substitute for cars, vans, and even lorries! 

Cargo bikes have been around for longer than you think, new to some and not properly utilised; perhaps ignored once the motorised vehicle took off.  

Demand for cargo and e-cargo bikes has grown significantly within the last few years, especially with the pandemic which has changed people’s attitudes and day-to-day lives. Around 2,000 cargo bikes were sold in the UK for commercial use in 2020 which has continued to increase tenfold in 2022 due to the increased urgency on climate change and agreements to reach net zero. 

You also have the option to go up a price bracket to an e-cargo bike; these aren’t fitted with a throttle of any sort; you still have to pedal! The electric element is there to merely assist with the peddling, therefore taking the stress off the legs which allows the rider to go for longer and ride inclines with relative ease. 

The cargo bike range has grown due to the rise in popularity, now transitioning more so to e-cargo bikes, but the luxury comes with added expense. However, in comparison to the costs of buying and running a car or van, e-cargo bikes are still sold at a much lower price, are more sustainable, and present a huge opportunity for UK retailers.  

Who uses them? 

Due to the vast range of cargo bikes available now, there are options available for all purposes; anyone can use them.  

Companies have been transitioning to cargo bikes as an alternative for vans and cars, as they can and are being used for delivering everything and anything: post, food, and even people. For example, Pedal Me is a cargo bike delivery service based in London which has gained popularity over recent years with its team of trained delivery drivers. With detachable trailers and a cargo max load of 150kg, they are showing that bikes could be the way forward to combat congestion and CO₂ emissions. The company also gained publicity when they were able to transport vulnerable people around during the pandemic; when public transport poses a risk, a bike taxi provides the perfect solution; and is likely to get you there quicker too!  

It’s fair to say that the use of cargo bikes is possibly easier and more accessible in densely populated areas such as cities; especially for deliveries, as they can provide the last stint of the delivery with relative ease. However, the transition to e-cargo bikes provides a much easier, less strenuous journey for the rider, with some e-cargo bikes boasting a range of up to 60 miles, making journeys in the countryside a smaller issue. 

Where can I get one and how much will it cost? 

Cargo bike is a broad term as there are so many different options available to suit your needs, which also makes them vary in price. Regular cargo bikes with no electric assist can price upwards of £900 new and when given the electric assist some will tip over the £1500 mark, which is more than most regular bikes; but perhaps an essential addition in particular situations than to the regular cargo bike. So, is it worth it? 

The added electric assist will push the range up to several thousands of pounds, a large investment for those that are not using the bike frequently or for business purposes. Although the prices hike up with this added luxury, and therefore this isn’t for everyone; we’re certain you’ll be thankful for the electric assist when the load gets heavy, you’re faced with steep inclines and loaded up with two children, their stuff, and the weekly shop.   

In summary of the initial cost of an e-bike: they’re more expensive than most bikes, but when evaluated as a replacement for a car or a van, etc; the cost is considerably lower. It’s a one-off payment with no running fees which can provide the same use as a car and even more.  

Why you should consider one… 

It’s a unique selling point that stands out to customers and to the competition, putting you in the spotlight for making a difference and contributing to the net-zero goal. By replacing vans/cars with cargo bikes you will be able to avoid several tonnes of CO₂ each day and reduce the costs for your business.  

For leisure use of a cargo bike, it’s another great investment. It can provide all the positive effects that a regular bike provides plus the added extras of being generally practical and a great substitute to your typical modes of transportation.  It can provide a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to a second car; emitting approximately 0kg of CO2 and once you’ve paid the initial investment, its costs approximately £0 to run. 

We understand that this can be a large investment for something you’re perhaps uncertain about, but to put your mind at ease, you can visit a Babboe store to test ride. Who knows, this could completely replace your car! 

The term net zero is the world’s answer to stopping climate change. On the 29^th of June 2019, the UK became the first major economy to pass laws to end our contribution to climate change and pledged to become net zero by 2050.

The term net zero refers to reducing emissions to their lowest amount through energy efficient measures and then using offsetting as a last resort to balance remaining hard to remove emissions. 

Energy efficiency measures include simple changes such as: double glazing, cavity wall insulation, and efficient light bulbs.

Net zero can also be understood as achieving a balance between carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. By extension, net zero means driving down your personal emissions from your home and lifestyle to the lowest you can and then offset any remaining hard to remove emissions.

Net Zero Week 2^nd -8^th July 2022

Before you start reducing your personal emissions, why not check out the WWF Footprint calculator to check your environmental footprint?

The reason behind having net zero week is to introduce the concept worldwide and to encourage everyone to all make a change in their respective lifestyle. Achieving net zero can not be done by one person or one country, it must be done globally.  o here are some starting points we’ve gathered for you.

What can you do for Net Zero week?

It may be overwhelming to think about what you can do to contribute to a net zero environment. In truth, it is simple! Here is a list of actions that you can challenge yourself to this week:

• Switch your regular transport to another alternative to reduce emissions. Can you cycle to town to meet your friends? Can you cycle to your grocery shop?
• Switch off your lights, electric, or gas appliances when not in use. Around one-fifth of the UK’s total carbon emissions come from our homes, with 40% coming from heating. Are you watching TV in your living room? Can you switch off the lights in your bedroom and your bathroom extractor fan?
• Could you open your windows for fresh air and breeze, instead of using an electric fan?
• Recycle humidifier water to water your plants.
• Fill up your car only half the tank to be more economical.
• Collect and recycle food waste. Have you got a food waste bin? The UK wastes £10bn a year on food waste. Food production is responsible for 25% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. If you don’t have one, have you thought about composting your household food waste?
• Wash your clothes at 30 degrees and avoid using the tumble dryer.
• Take a shorter shower and have fewer baths.

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Simple lifestyle changes such as the above are doable without cost. However, if you would like to make your home net zero, you could:

• Efficient water management. Reduce your water consumption by replacing the shower head with a water efficient single spray showerhead, and a water-saving tap.  
• Generate your own energy – such as having solar panels installed on your roofs, or wind turbines to be mounted on one of the poles standing around your house to generate electricity for your household use such as charging your electric vehicle.
• Have an efficient heating system running on low carbon fuel – To reach net zero carbon emissions target, we will need to reduce the carbon emissions from heating homes by 95% over the next 30 years. Visit the Energy Saving Trust website for tips about what you can do to lower your carbon emissions and save money on heat pumps, boilers, electric heating, solar water heating, heating controls, and more.

There are many more things you can do about turning your home net zero. Click here to learn more about other measures.

Why should you get involved in Net Zero Week?

The world is battling to keep the global temperature within 1.5 degrees. If we pass the 1.5 degree limit, the impacts of global warming could be irreversible and catastrophic. By achieving net zero, we would be able to keep the global temperature within the 1.5 degree mark.

Other than significant environmental benefits, achieving net zero by making your home energy-efficient will also help you save a lot of money every month and reduce your personal carbon emissions. Simple lifestyle changes could also help you save a lot of money in the long run, and help with your physical health.

If you don’t know where to start, why not start by switching your regular transport to another alternative, and travel actively to reduce your personal emissions?

COP26 identified that transport accounts for 30% of global carbon emissions, with 72% of its emissions coming from road transportation, and 80% from private cars. Active Travel can bring huge benefits to our communities, health, and environment.

If you would like to know how to become net zero with your travel, please contact us and we will be more than happy to help.

Black Friday occurs once a year on the last Friday in November and is a major sale event across the majority of businesses creating a mad rush to get the biggest discount. As you can imagine, all of this shopping can create a pretty large carbon footprint due to the increased number of cars on the road and all the plastic packaging!

Here are our top tips for reducing your carbon footprint and not missing out on a bargain this Black Friday:

Plan what you buy in advance:

This can help reduce over-buying which may result in items going to waste.

Order online:

Leave the car at home and avoid the mad rush by shopping the Black Friday deals from the comfort of your own home!

Buy locally:

Take a stroll into your local area and make someone smile this year by shopping locally. Often local shops offer unique and beautiful items that you may not find anywhere else.

Make the most of public transport:

If you do have to travel to the shops try taking the bus or train. You may even overhear someone discussing an amazing deal you would have otherwise missed out on!

Car share:

Here at Smarter Travel, we’ve declared November our car sharing month! Get involved and travel with friends or family, it will be more fun than going it alone! You can always visit the Liftshare website to find someone new to car share with.

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We recommend making the most of the Black Friday deals by purchasing practical items that will last. Here are some websites we think are worth checking out for sustainable travel related purposes:

• Wiggle.co.uk – This online sports and bike shop offers everything from a bike light to gym supplements. We suggest finding some cycle accessories or walking boots to improve your commute to work! They also have a great Christmas gift guide.
  
  
• CycleRepublic.com – This cycle shop has stores across the country and features an online list of winter essentials for every cyclist.
  
  
• MountainWarehouse.com – An online outdoor clothing and equipment specialist with coats that are tested for warmth in -50 degrees Celsius conditions. Great for finding a winter jacket for the walk to work!
  
  
• Blacks.co.uk – Selling a variety of outdoor clothing and equipment, Blacks also has a section featuring eco-conscious products which are great for those of you trying to reduce your carbon footprint.
  
  
• MoneySavingExpert.com (Transport) – This is a great website for finding the best deals around Black Friday. It’s worth keeping an eye on the page to check what deals you can take advantage of.
  
  

We hope this has helped you consider a more eco-friendly Black Friday, if you have any questions about changing your travel habits then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The next time you’re out and about in your car, take a moment to realise how many journeys are being made with just one person in the vehicle. Imagine how much less traffic there would be if everyone decided to car share with at least one other person…

Could you do your bit and car share your journey with someone else? Whether this is a family member, friend, colleague or a stranger (who we have no doubt, would be your new friend before long!)

Still not sure? By car sharing the average commuter could SAVE up to £1,000 plus 1.1 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year!

To find out exactly how much money you could save, head over to the Liftshare Calculator.

Sharing your journey can be a great opportunity to meet new people and have a laugh before work as well as helping to improve air quality, reduce congestion and solve parking problems. Even if you can’t share your journey every day why not aim for one or two days a week?

Car sharing doesn’t just have to be for work, if you have a big event coming up such as a festival or sporting event then check to see if there are people looking for lifts nearby. This could help reduce traffic on route to the event as well as increasing the amount of parking spaces available once you get there.

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Liftshare.com

The Liftshare website is a great tool for searching or advertising journeys. Head over to their website to sign up for FREE. There is also a very handy step-by-step guide which explains how everything works! You can also search for people already offering lifts from your local area, however, if you can’t find anything suitable, why not register yourself as a driver?

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Win a £50 Love2Shop Voucher!

To celebrate all those that are car sharing, we are offering you the chance to win a £50 Love2Shop voucher. To be in with a chance of winning; just share a selfie with us of you and your car sharing buddies! Tag us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, and all entries will be entered into our prize draw on 30th November 2019. Full terms and conditions can be found here.

Your selfie doesn’t have to be on a commute, it could be a trip to an event or perhaps just a shopping trip! Just remember, take the selfie before you set off!

Did you know that October is Walk to School Month 2019? This recognised event encourages schools to get children (and parents) walking. There are many benefits to walking to school, for example it could reduce the risk of childhood obesity and get children and families in the habit of walking. The walk to school is the perfect opportunity for some quality family time or a good chat with friends helping to develop strong, happy relationships. Find out more about the great reasons to walk to school on the Sustrans Website.

To celebrate Walk to School Month 2019 and to encourage you and your children to walk to school, we have some FREE walk to school kits to giveaway! These packs include reflective items such as zip-clips, lace reflectors and stickers which are essential now that the mornings are getting darker! To claim your free pack, please just send us an email telling us why you and your children love walking to school! Please include your postal address and we will send your pack directly to you! This offer is limited to residents of Boyton Place.

Full terms and conditions of the giveaway can be found here.