BetterPoints York allows everyone who lives, works or studies in York to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, running, cycling and using the bus. One such prize is the iTravel Inspiration. Janet was chosen as our latest winner and received a £25 York Gift Card for sharing her story. For your chance to win, download the app via the App Store or Google Play or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page.
BetterPoints York user Janet has embraced active travel and found a new lease of life on her bike. With encouragement from friends and the motivation of the app, she’s replaced many of her short car trips with cycling and bus journeys - staying mobile, healthy and environmentally conscious.
How did you find out about the app and why did you choose to get involved?
“A friend of mine who I volunteer with for a food waste charity introduced it to me. She told me she was recording her cycling journeys on the app, and I ought to try it as well.
I used to cycle when my children were young, which is almost 50 years ago now. I started riding again when the pandemic hit. I got my bike serviced and then used it loads. I was cycling on roads which I wouldn’t cycle on but for the lack of cars. It gave me the confidence to cycle once again.
Before joining BetterPoints York, what were your travel habits like?
“I was using my bike a certain amount, but since I decided to sign up about 3 years ago I’ve definitely been cycling more for all sorts of reasons. I’ll cycle to the shops, library, dentist and to do my volunteer work. I support a local foodbank and school breakfast club. I’ll use a bike trailer to ferry different products to them.
I don’t automatically think to use the car anymore, I think train, bus or bike.
How has the app helped you to travel more actively and sustainably? What features do you enjoy?
“I like looking at the record of everything on the app, the stats and the route maps. Having a science degree means I like looking over these things!
I’ll check the app every time I’ve gone out. The only times that I don’t look at it are when I am at home all day, which doesn’t happen very often.
On the rare occasion when I do a short journey in the car, I’ll feel guilty about it. I can think of times where it has been particularly windy, and I’ve driven to see my daughters and granddaughters and I’ve felt bad for doing so.
I wouldn’t have thought this way but for the app. It makes you conscious of the environmental impact, the greenhouse gases.
How have your travel habits changed?
“I am using the car a lot less for short journeys. For trips in my local area, it is a lot quicker to cycle than use the car. It might be hard to believe, but with the ring road and the traffic hold ups, cycling is definitely speedier. You can nip through on your bike in just a few minutes. If I’m heading into York city centre I’ll use the Park & Ride bus.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“I am 75, and I am a lot more mobile and active than other people of my age, and that is down to being out and about on my bike and volunteering five days a week.
I feel a lot better all round than I would if I’d been sitting in a car.”
To join BetterPoints York, simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR code below and register an account with your York postcode. If you live outside but commute in please enter the referral code: yorkooa.
