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. Paul was chosen as our latest winner and received a £25 York Gift Card for sharing his 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.
Paul used to drive to work and the short trips to the shops. But thanks to the initial encouragement of his wife and the BetterPoints York challenge, he’s switched many of his car journeys to sustainable alternatives, including scooting. Here is what he had to say:
How did you find out about the app and why did you choose to get involved?
“It was my wife who heard about it, she saw it on a road traffic sign and decided to try it out. After she’d used it for week or two, she recommended I download it too. She’s always encouraged me to get outside more, as I mostly work from home. She said the gamification element would spur me on.
Before joining BetterPoints York, what were your travel habits like?
I wasn’t sedentary by any means, but I would avoid cycling or walking into town. I would drive for a lot of journeys. To get to the shops which are just a mile away I would jump in the car. My priority was always to get to my destination quicker, rather than valuing outdoor time and exercise.
I certainly wouldn’t get out much in the autumn and winter. I was cooped up inside. The app turned things around for me. My wife sold it to me that using BetterPoints would help to pay for my coffee habit! So I started to walk or ride my bike into town and occasionally get the bus back.
How has the app helped you to travel more actively and sustainably? What features do you enjoy?
It pushes me to get outside even when the weather isn’t so good. I know the exercise is good for me and I’m being rewarded for it.
BetterPoints inspired me to get a step tracker, which I’ll use alongside the app. It has become a competition between my wife and I to see who can earn the most points and make the most steps.
It’s also encouraged me to try different types of travel. I’ve been using a push scooter and cycling a lot more recently, whereas before it was mainly walking and bus. It’s fun to see the range of activities in your timeline.
How have your travel habits changed since using the app?
I’m no longer using the car to get to work on Tuesdays. I’ve started getting the train instead. It costs a bit more, but I feel better about it. I value the time to work on the train and have a bit of a break, which you don’t get whilst driving.
I’m also swapping out other car trips. I’ll walk or cycle with the kids to their dance classes for example, rather than driving.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
Certainly the health benefits. I found myself wheezing a lot if I was walking quickly in winter. I’d need to stop and use an inhaler. I haven’t had that problem recently. I feel a lot fitter and stronger. I’m can walk much further without feeling fatigued."
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.
