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Championing Car Clubs

Are you tired of the expense of owning a car? A car club could be the answer for a more convenient and affordable way to travel.

According to Top Gear (2023), over the course of an average 60-years of driving, the typical British driver spends a staggering sum nearing £438,000 on vehicles. This statistic underscores the inefficiency of pouring resources into maintaining and repairing underutilized vehicles. In this context, car clubs emerge as a compelling solution, offering a pathway to maximise the value of car ownership by providing access to a diverse fleet of vehicles without the burden of sole ownership. By embracing car clubs, you save time and money and lose the hassle that comes from owning your own vehicle.

Unlocking the power of car clubs

Car clubs offers a brilliant approach to transportation, providing 767,899 car club members with access to shared vehicles for short-term rentals in 2023, a 38% increase since 2020, resulting in more available car club vehicles, totalling 5,167 as of 2023. UK Government, 2023).

Based on insights from CoMoUK’s 2021 summary report, its revealed that car club vehicles produce 27% less emissions compared to privately owned vehicles, because car club vehicles are less than 5 years old and most car club vehicles are also either hybrid or electric vehicle which produce significantly less emissions than regular petrol and diesel vehicles.”

Car clubs not only offer unparalleled convenience but also serve as champions of environmental stewardship, driving positive change, one mile at a time.

The benefits of car clubs:

Access to on-demand, new, eco-friendly hybrid and electric vehicles. Helping to minimise pollution and reduce your carbon footprint.

Financial benefits of not having to tax, MOT, service or repair the car, which costs the average person £2,835 every year! (Top Gear, 2023).

Not incurring depreciation costs of the car.

Reduces the number of cars on the road which not only decreases congestion and pollution and the risk of hazards and therefore accidents, but also saves you time by not having to sit in traffic, it’s a no-brainer.

Convenience of car clubs

You can have on-demand access to vehicles for quick errands, weekend getaways, or daily commutes. No more worrying about maintenance, insurance, or parking – simply book a car when you need it and enjoy the ride. The convenience of car clubs is brilliant for people who live in the city who can normally walk to their desired destination, but on the off chance of needing a vehicle, car clubs come in useful.

According to CoMo UK’s Annual (2022) report, “in 2022 on average each car club vehicle in the UK replaced 22 private cars” and “73% of car club users who had decreased their car ownership thought that they had saved money compared to owning or leasing a car”.

Enterprise

Rent from Enterprise for £30 a day offer on 75% of their vehicles, valid until the 30th April 2024. Excludes mileage charges, T&Cs apply. See their website for their latest offers.

Hiring a car is made easy, simply unlock a car with just your phone. Enterprise car club membership includes breakdown cover and damage protection and cleaning, making their car club very convenient for trips you need to make.

The regional rates for Norwich & Norfolk is hourly from £7.43 and daily rates from £61.79. The regional rates for London is £9.53 and daily rates from £78.59, you can see more regional rates on the Enterprise website.

Another benefit of using Enterprise is if you have to fill up during your journey, they will cover the cost of your fuel. See more information here.

Hiyacar

You can rent a car from local people at Hiyacar, available in London and lots more cities in the United Kingdom, find your local hire location on Hiyacar’s website. There is no deposit required and pricing starts from £28 a day. Hiyacar provides roadside assistance as part of hiring a car. Hiyacar offers a subscription plan that costs £6.99 a month, which gives you a 500 miles per day mileage allowance, pick up/drop off times are 24/7 compared to a regular member that has allocated hours for this and the minimum duration of hiring a car is 1 hour.

Review’s on Hiyacar’s website “Great hire! Very easy to deal with and excellent service”

“Simple efficient system with no hidden fees or later rip offs. How car hire should be.”

Zipcar

Zipcar is a car club available in lots of locations in the United Kingdom more find your nearest car club on their website Zipcar’s map. Zipcar is a more affordable way of travel.

Zipcar provides fuel for 60 miles each day and they pay for Congestion Charges.

They have three plans available; the Basic plan costs between £9/hr and £90/day and a £15 driving credit is approved, the Smart plan costs £6 a month with driving rates from £7hr and £70 a day and a best value Plus plan that costs £15 a month with driving rates from £6hr and £60 a day. Zipcar (2024)

Browse CoMoUK’s map to see your local car club.

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The Benefits of Electrifying Journeys

In the ever-evolving landscape of sustainable transportation, the United Kingdom is setting the stage for a cleaner future. Fast charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) stand out as massively important for efficiency and lowering your carbon footprint, helping to reduce pollution, particularly in cities.

Unleash the Power

Fast charging points are essential for the UK’s commitment to sustainable transportation. Fast charging points are a top choice for commuters because of their convenience; reduced charging times and the widespread availability of charging points makes them more appealing.

As of February 2024, the UK has installed 10,967 rapid and ultra rapid charging. If you own your property, you could also install a charging point at home, making this sustainable choice a lot more convenient than petrol or diesel cars. (Zap-Map, 2024)

There are over 57,290 electric charging points in the United Kingdom. Since February 2023 there has been a 47% increase in electric car charging points. Find your local charging points at Zap-Map.

Steering Towards Sustainability

The advantage of fast charging points lies in their ability to recharge electric vehicles extremely quickly. Charging times reduced to minutes, electric cars become a practical and time-efficient option for our busy lifestyles. This increased accessibility and efficiency makes them a convenient choice for consumers.

Charging an electric car at home currently cost around 10p per KWh off-peak, the standard from April 2024 is expected to cost around 24.5p per KWh, whilst charging at home during peak times costs around 44p per Kwh. (Which, 2024)

If you’re using public AC charging points, it costs around 50p per KWh, Public DC charging costs around 65p to 80p per KWh. For comparison, you’d start paying more per mile for an equivalent diesel engine at around 61p per kWh. (Which, 2024)

There are free electric car charging points at some supermarkets, including Sainsbury’s, Lidl and Aldi. You can find these by using Zap-Map’s website.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions makes EVs an important mode of transport to help combat climate change. Emissions of electric vehicles compared to petrol vehicles are 17 to 30% lower than petrol and diesel cars. (European Environment Agency, 2024) and according to a study by the Technical University Eindhoven (2020), electric cars have a 50 to 80% better carbon footprint than comparable cars powered by petrol or diesel engines, making EVs a much more sustainable choice.

To Efficiency and Beyond

The increasing network of charging stations is helping drivers have easy access to power sources, making EVs a practical option for longer journeys.

In an exciting collaboration, Vauxhall and Tesco have joined forces to offer one year of complimentary electric vehicle charging to new Vauxhall customers who purchase a brand-new electric car. This offer is valid until 16th September 2024.

Tesco, boasting an extensive network of more than 2,700 EV charging points spanning 619 of its retail locations, is making it convenient for customers to either partially recharge or fully replenish their car batteries at their discretion. This strategic partnership not only emphasizes the commitment to sustainable transportation but also enhances the accessibility and ease of EV ownership.

Embracing a Sustainable Tomorrow

The UK Government has set out that by 2035, all new cars produced will have to be hybrid or electric.

To help achieve this target, the government has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing the initial and ongoing expenses associated with owning an EV. Among these initiatives is a grant program for plug-in vans, offering up to £2,500 for small vans and £5,000 for large vans, extending until 2025. Additionally, residents living in flats can benefit from a £350 reduction on the cost of installing home charge points. These electric vehicles are approximately £150 more economical to maintain annually compared to their fossil fuel counterparts. (UK Government, 2023)

As the UK continues to pave the way for sustainable transportation, the benefits of fast charging points stand out as a testament to progress. If you decide to purchase an electric vehicle, visit Zap Map’s live map to find your nearest charging point.

Electrify your journeys to drive towards a sustainable future.

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Are Two Modes Better Than One?

Walk to the bus stop, cycle to the train station or drive to the park and ride. Whatever multi-modal trip you decide to make, it’s better than driving alone, for both you and your environment. Below are some of the key health and wellbeing benefits of active travel, which you can combine with other modes to make your journeys more sustainable:

Benefits of cycling and walking

Wellbeing: 20 minutes of exercise per day helps to improve brain function by increasing the flow of oxygen to the brain, helping to reduce the risk of depression by 31% and decreasing anxiety levels, which can make you more productive. Walking all of part of your daily commute can help you get into a positive mindset for the day.

Health: Walking and cycling helps improve your cardiovascular health and helps to burn calories to maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI). Obesity causes 1 million deaths every year worldwide! Not only that, but physical inactivity costs the NHS up to £1 billion per annum. Half a million people worldwide die of air pollution every year and that number is increasing rapidly,  but walking and cycling journeys helps to improve air quality by reducing congestion and pollution, particularly in urban areas.”

Sources:

Department for Transport (2021)

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/610d63ffe90e0706d92fa282/decarbonising-transport-a-better-greener-britain.pdf

World Health Organization (2022)

https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/07-06-2022-cycling-and-walking-can-help-reduce-physical-inactivity-and-air-pollution–save-lives-and-mitigate-climate-change

Did you know you can take your bike on the bus? Check your local bus provider to make sure they have room for your bike!

The park and ride is a good alternative to driving in and paying for parking.

Simply park your car for free and hop onto the bus, sit back and enjoy your commute, rather than contributing to the stressful grid lock twice a day. Using the park and ride decreases the amount of cars entering the city, helping to speed up your daily commute.

Using the park and ride is normally a lot quicker than driving into the city, plus the benefit of not having to pay expensive city parking prices.

A great multi modal commute that’s easy to try is getting off the bus a stop early and walking the rest of your commute, this will help you achieve your recommended daily exercise and enhance your wellbeing before work.

By combining and incorporating one sustainable method in your daily commute, you’re helping the environment and making roads less congested, which saves everyone time.

For more information visit:

www.firstbus.co.uk/bus-accessibility 

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Driving the change with car sharing, including money saving and social connection of car sharing

Car Sharing

Liftshare network is FREE and easy to sign up to their website to find locals to car share with.

Liftshare members save over £1,000 on average every year.

You will save money on fuel, maintenance, and parking, helping you to navigate through the current cost of living challenges.

Eco-Friendly Travel: By sharing car rides, we reduce the number of cars on the road, cutting down carbon emissions and contributing to a greener earth.

Community Connection: Socialise your commute and join a community of like-minded individuals who believe in sustainable living. Make new friends and create a positive impact on your community. Car sharing is more than just splitting the cost of travel with each other, it is a social commute, rather than a solo commute.

Hear from one of Lifshares members John. “I’ve saved around £1500 in 6 months, and often four of us use one car for the usual daily 50-mile trip. Definite friendship has occurred which wouldn’t have happened without Liftshare”.

Read more of Liftshares success stories www.liftshare.com/uk/member-stories and sign up today and start your money saving success story like John.

We practice what we preach at Smarter Travel. Hear from our Smarter Travel employees who successfully lift share together.

Hear from our Travel Plan Coordinator Elizabeth Evans MA who talks about her experience with car sharing.

“I enjoy car sharing to work. I am not a morning person and thought I would find socialising before 08:00am tiresome, but actually it sets me up for the day, good music puts me in a positive mood and the journey allows me to catch up with colleagues outside of work. Not only do we all save money by splitting the cost of fuel each month, but it guarantees a parking space at the office and is much more reliable than rural buses. I feel comfortable car sharing with colleagues because we are familiar, I know where we are travelling to/from and I feel safe in their company. We make it clear to the wider team what days we are car sharing on and if one of us needs to be flexible with our working pattern due to an appointment or event outside of work, we just let management know and agree to make up the time.”

Hear from Oliver Shaw engineering apprentice at Richard Jackson. Oliver currently car shares with Elizabeth at Richard Jackson Smarter Travel.

“I would say car sharing is my most favourable way of traveling to work in comparison to other sustainable modes of travel and including driving alone.

My commute from North Walsham to Norwich typically takes about 45 minutes and I make this journey 5 days a week. I car share at least twice a week, once as a passenger and once as a driver, which allows me to save the cost of one of my journeys to work a week, at about £5, resulting in a total saving of about £230 a year.

I mainly share the journey with one of my friends from North Walsham, who is located along the route. Although I have to divert my usual route to work (making it 10 minutes longer) for my friend’s place of work, it allows extra time in the morning for a catch-up chat and relaxes me for the day.

On some days I also share my commute with a colleague, who is located on the way to work, and this means that we can discuss ideas about work on the way which gets us in the mindset for a productive day.”

In Conclusion: Car sharing is an efficient, easy way to save money, and enjoy your commute.

Together, we can make a difference!  Let’s drive change.

Find more information and Sign up now at www.liftshare.com/uk

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‘Tis the Season to be Sustainable

Christmas Tree

For many, this holiday season is a time for celebrations, good food and get togethers, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth! (pun intended)

Sustainability isn’t just about smarter travel, it’s embedded in everything we do. That’s why this month, we wanted to share some top tips for reducing your carbon footprint and making seasonal savings!

Gifts

Before heading out to do your seasonal shopping, why not ask people if there is anything they need? This way, they will be sure to make the most of your gift, helping to reduce waste.

Wrapping presents brings us joy, but it’s important to be mindful of the materials we are using. Some paper wrapping paper has a plastic lining for strength, but that means it cannot be recycled, so always check before you buy. Avoid glitter, this is made of plastic too. Do the scrunch test: if it bounces back, it’s not recyclable.

Sellotape, the UKs most popular UK brand for tape, is made of polypropylene (PP – Plastic number 5) and cannot be recycled, making any wrapping paper it is attached to non-recyclable, unless you spend your morning separating it (a messy, time consuming job). Instead, why not try paper-based alternatives, such as solvent-free glue, made from natural ingredients, or why not try wrapping with fabric that can be reused! Watch this simple fabric wrapping tutorial.

Plastic ribbons and bows might be beautiful, but landfill isn’t. Why not try paper alternatives or better yet, try twine that can be reused year after year.

Crackers

40 million dad jokes are thrown away every year! Look out for plastic-free crackers, available in most UK supermarkets, or better yet, try fabric crackers that can be reused and refilled with your own small gifts and inside jokes.

Food

The holiday season tends to be a time for indulgence, but it’s important not to waste food and only buy what you need. There is more than enough food to feed the world, but 783 million people still go hungry, so think before you buy – will you use it? Do you need it? Here are some tips to make tasty dishes with your leftovers.

Travel

If you’re travelling home to get together with your loved ones over the holidays, could you cut your costs and carbon by car sharing?

Daily exercise is important for overall health and wellbeing, so why not try getting out for a winter walk. The Ramblers organise walks all year round, check out their website to find your local group.

From all of us at Smarter Travel, we’d like to wish you a sustainable holiday season!

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Every Step You Take…

Child walking to school

Here at Smarter Travel, we want to celebrate International Walk to School Month! It’s a time to unite families in hand and in heart, which is why we’re highlighting some of the amazing health benefits of walking (and cycling):

1. Healthy Heart

Walking for 2.5 hours per week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems by 31% (try walking for 30 minutes on your lunch break!)

2. Keep Fit

Walking and cycling helps you maintain a healthy body and mind, can be tailored to your level of fitness and intensity so you can go at your own pace.

3. Stress-Less

Moving around can make you feel less stressed, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Just 20-minutes a day is proven to increase brain function, so make sure to take a break during the day to reset! It’s like a natural mood booster!

4. Strong Bones

Walking is gentle on your joints and can help if you ever have achy knees or hips. Maintaining an active routine helps to alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis and other bone ailments. Biking can increase the bone density in your legs, hips and spine, therefore making them stronger, so it’s like giving your bones a workout!

5. Live Longer

A study by “The Lancet” found that people who walked or cycled for 2.5 hours per week reduced the risk of premature mortality by 22% – worth a shot right?! Regular physical activity helps to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and types of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer.

Unlike the gym, walking is completely free and gets you from A to B! Check out the likes of Sustrans, Living Streets and Cycling UK to find local walking and cycling groups, log your physical activities on apps like Strava to monitor your progress and keep you accountable!

Walking and cycling are the smarter ways to travel and we encourage you to do so whenever possible. Click here to complete the Boyton Place Travel Survey and redeem either a £100 active travel voucher OR a £100 cycle voucher for Aero Cycles, based in Haverhill.

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A Sneak Peek at Liftshare Week

three people car sharing

Looking to save some cash while making a positive impact? Look no further!

Liftshare Week 2023, taking place from September 18th to 24th, is an opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Suffolk Car Share community is completely free and flexible, only share on the days that suit you with people you want to!

What’s in it for me?

When it comes to car sharing, the financial benefits are hard to ignore. With the ever-rising costs of fuel, maintenance, and parking, car sharing can significantly lighten the load on your wallet. Sharing with just 1 other person splits the cost of your journey in half! Can you think of a better way to get a 50% discount on fuel?

During Liftshare Week, an enticing incentive awaits – the chance for 5 lucky members to each win a £100 Love2Shop voucher or a Fitbit Charge 5! Join  Suffolk Car Share today to be in with a chance to win! Find out more information via the Liftshare.com blog.

It’s about more than just cutting costs, it’s about cutting carbon too. Car sharing plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. Fewer vehicles on the road means less pollution and cleaner air for all. By participating in Liftshare Week, you’re directly contributing to a healthier planet.

Sign Up and Start Saving!

By joining Suffolk Car Share during Liftshare Week, you’ll not only gain access to a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to creating a sustainable society, but also be eligible to win the prize draw! Be part of the movement that cuts costs and carbon!

Together, we’re driving change.

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What is net zero and how can you help?

The term net zero is the world’s answer to stopping climate change. On the 29th 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 2nd -8th 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.

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.

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Journeys to Explore with Discounts Galore!

Man hailing a bus



In the midst of the UK’s cost of living crisis and a global climate emergency, finding budget-friendly and eco-conscious ways to travel has become more essential than ever. Thankfully, the extended “Get Around For £2” bus scheme and Railcard discounts offer a breath of fresh air for both your pocket and the planet!

Bus Travel

The “Get Around For £2” bus scheme, extended until December 2024, is a game-changer for those feeling the pinch of rising prices. With a single fare for just £2, this initiative eases the burden on your wallet. Plus, it helps cut down on the fuel costs, annual maintenance and parking expenses associated with driving, which are only getting more expensive due to the current economic challenges. Check out the list of routes and operators.

Don’t forget, if you are of state pension age, you can get a FREE ‘Older Person’s Bus Pass’ that enables you to travel for FREE between 09:30-23:00 weekdays and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. Apply now!

If you have a disability that limits how you get around, you can apply for a FREE ‘Disabled Persons Bus Pass’ that enables you to travel for FREE on off-peak services from 09:30am until the last bus of the day on weekdays and all day on weekends and Bank Holidays. Apply now!

Train Travel

For train travellers, various railcards provide substantial discounts, making journeys more affordable. The average Railcard holder saves £140 per year ,with 1/3 off train travel! There are 9 main Railcards to choose from, all of which cost just £30 per year or £70 for 3 years:

According to research by Employee Benefits, 59% of employers offer the season ticket loan scheme to employees. It’s one of the most used schemes available, and for good reason! So, if you travel by train regularly, speak to your employer about the potential for an interest free season ticket loan. Learn more about it here!

Compared to the financial strain of driving solo, these transportation options are a breath of fresh air. They help you cut costs and carbon at the same time. This is especially important as people grapple with the economic challenges of today.

By choosing these options, you can navigate the UK affordably and responsibly, easing the financial pressure on your family while contributing to a sustainable future. It’s a win-win!



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Sustrans: Paving the Way

Sustrans Brief History

Sustrans are known for their active travel promotion and charity work, but arguably most famous for their contributions to the national cycling network.

Initially formed in Bristol in July 1977, ‘Sustrans’ started with a group of cyclists and environmentalists under the name ‘Cycle Bag’. The founders were motivated by emerging doubts about the desirability of over-dependence on the private car.

Luck came their way when the Midland Railway line between central Bristol and Bath closed, in favour of the more direct, former Great Western Railway between the cities. The group leased part of the old route and together with many volunteers, as well as the help of the Avon County Council, it was turned it into route number one, the Bristol & Bath Railway Path.

In 1983 the charity Sustrans was officially founded, and during 1995, it was granted a generous £43.5 million from the Millennium Lottery Fund to extend the National Cycle Network, connecting smaller towns and rural areas. Since the birth of Sustrans, they continue to benefit health and wellbeing, the UK’s economy and play a crucial role in connecting the UK by means of sustainable travel.

Figure 1

National Cycle Routes

Fast forward 20 years from the lottery fund, and we are well connected through the gradual implementation and expansion of cycle infrastructure throughout the UK; and it continues to improve. The National Cycle Network is Sustrans biggest project, owning around 2% (271 miles) of the total Network in the UK. The rest belongs to various landowners, who are partly responsible for their own area. However, Sustran are custodians to the National Cycle Route which commits them to maintaining most stretches of the national routes.

In 2020, around a quarter of the National Cycle Network was scrapped on safety grounds, leaving behind 12,739 miles of signed routes. This includes 5,220 miles of traffic-free paths with the remaining 7,519 miles on-road, 163 miles of those are in London.  The routes that have been scrapped will be improved and reopened as part of a plan to enhance safety standards to make cycling more enjoyable and accessible for less experienced cyclists.

Sustrans works incredibly hard to maintain these routes, making them safe and usable for cyclists to commute on and enjoy leisurely rides. The network has millions of trips annually, including cycling and walking. The aim is to remove hinderances and implement new infrastructure so that the cycle routes can be safe and quick to use, in the hope that cycling could one day become the primary mode of transport.

Areas in the UK have different goals for the development of the National Cycle Network. In London, the National Cycle Network aims to take car trips off the road, relieving congestion because of the growing population.  Elsewhere in the UK a lot of revenue is generated through the National Cycle Network, particularly where there are tourist trips. In Scotland, small businesses are growing up along the network, but it’s also about providing the means to travel your regular journey more sustainably.

Community

Other than the infrastructure work, Sustrans have behaviour changes they have to focus on, working with people to encourage them to cycle and walk. They have a policy piece where efforts are made to influence the decision makers in London to do a better job in making cities more liveable.

As a charity, volunteers are the backbone to Sustrans continued growth and success, and there are several easy ways you can get involved and help your community.

Look after the National Cycle Network

By picking up litter, cutting back vegetation, if you use a regular route, you can carry out route checks and report anything that is or starting to become a hindrance to users. The cycle route is yours, Sustran designs and maintains routes to the best of their ability, but this is a community asset that if looked after can be useful to all to enjoy all year round.

Protect local wildlife

By becoming a Sustrans wildlife volunteer.Sustrans wildlife volunteers help by keeping records of nature on your local routes, monitoring wildlife, plant and flower growth and creating spaces where people can come and learn about nature and conservation. Making these spaces more than roads and cycle paths, but spaces for people, not machines.

Promote active travel

In your community by supporting people in your local area to be more active. You can run local events, help teach young people in schools to cycle or scoot, lead rides or walks and host information stalls to promote Sustrans.

Have Your Say

Feedback from Smarter Travel surveys indicate that most residents do not cycle/walk because of unsuitable roads/pathways. As previously mentioned, The National Cycling Network brings huge benefits to the UK’s economy and peoples health and wellbeing (see figure 1) So local authorities need to recognise the benefits and support the network. We have built around the motorised vehicle for many years, and now is the time to reverse our actions to benefit our environment, economy, and ourselves for the future.

To find out more on cycling as a primary use of transport and discover how we can return the streets back to the people, please read our ‘Streets for The People’ blog.

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Active Travel Comes In All Shapes and Sizes


By definition of the UK government, active travel means making journeys by physically active means.

But it doesn’t have to be limited to walking or cycling, there are many ways you can take part and it doesn’t have to be ‘just making a journey’; it can be fun, whilst benefiting you both mentality and physically.

So, let’s take a look…

A lot of attention is put on cycling as a key player in active travel, and we’re all for it, but what if you don’t like cycling, you’re not the best at it or you’re not confident enough?

Don’t let that stop you from taking part, here are some great alternatives.

Scooters

Something that has caused controversy in the active travel world is the E-scooter. Illegal for personal use on public highways, these scooters are only available to hire from official hiring companies, such as Beryl or Voi. Those that are against e-scooters, are perhaps against the few irresponsible riders that ignore the laws surrounding the scooters; such as no riding on pavements or up one-way streets. However, in Norwich alone, there are some fantastic stats to pull out from trials so far:

  • Two million kilometres travelled since March 2020 (2 years) – which is equivalent of 50 journeys around the world.
  • Over a quarter of overall journeys made in Norwich have been replaced by Beryl.
  • 76 tonnes of carbon emissions have been saved – equivalent of around 5,073,071 boiled kettles.

Pretty good!

There is also the other type of scooter, perhaps forgotten about slightly, the one that doesn’t do it all for you… The traditional kick scooter.

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They’re making a big comeback, and it’s not just children riding them either. People like Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson and TikTok superstar Francois Bourgeois are all strong advocates for scooting. 

It’s easy to see why they’re trending, its cheap, fun and doesn’t require a whole lot of skill. They are small and can fold up which makes it super portable; making it easy to take it on public transport and inside buildings.

You can also ride a kick scooter on the pavement as these scooters are not motorised, they are slower, and it would be dangerous to share the space on the road with motorised vehicles. So therefore, this mode of transport may suit those that do not feel confident enough to ride a bicycle and ride it on the road.

Recumbent bike

Still technically a bicycle but not one you’re used to seeing. Recumbent bikes can come in several forms – trike, long wheelbase, and short wheelbase, and when you see one, your first thought isn’t bicycle, more Red Bull Soap Box Race.

Designed for ergonomics, the recumbent bicycle has been directly aimed for comfort and health reasons over the traditional bicycle. They have also have arm powered bikes that have been used as a great way for those with disabilities to remain or get back into cycling. The bike sits at a reclined position with a backrest and no handlebars on most models. 

Avoiding the normal upright seated position takes the stress away from your back, glutes, and arms. Especially on the longer rides, this spreads your body weight instead of the stress directly through the top and centre of your body.

Designed for comfort but also for speed, though it may seem strange, they’re actually faster than normal bikes – once you get the hang of it of course.

Due to the seating position, there is less drag, which means cutting through the air with less resistance therefore coming out on top. This is where they get further away from your typical bicycle and closer to a soap box.

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Kind of cool though, right?

So, faster than a regular bike, comfier, better for you and has the capability of bringing home gold in the Red Bull Soap Box Race… what’s stopping you?!

Tandem bike

Never properly taken seriously as a means for commuting, but why not?! Two birds with one stone I say…

Jokes aside, should this be considered a more viable mode of transport? Two seats, three seats or even four seats, could it replace your car on the school run?

Roller Skates

If disco music can make a comeback, so can roller skates.

Much like the scooter, they’re portable, you can skip between public transport such as buses and trains with ease and cruise past regular pedestrians. With some spare shoes in your backpack, the transition to regular footwear is swift with no stress. Along with speeding up your regular commute, it also makes it a little more entertaining. You’ll be able to experience the place you live in, and get a real dopamine kick after the journey, which is going to benefit you both mentally and physically. As after all, this is exercise. Roller skating uses 80% of your body’s muscles and gives you a great cardio workout while burning up to 650 calories an hour.

So, could you blow the cobwebs off your skates and bring the 80’s back?

These active travel methods may not be for everybody, and we appreciate they may have their flaws, but the message is, that active travel doesn’t have to be restricted to just walking and cycling. Dust off your roller skates, try a recumbent bike, scoot to work, the moral is that they’re all going to have positive effects on your day-to-day life. The first step is starting, and the hard part will be stopping!