Whether its to save money, get fit or do your bit for the environment you could do a lot worse than thinking about how you get about. So why not walk, get on your bike, car share or catch the bus or train in 2012.
Walk
Car Share
Bus / Train
Cycle
When I’m going to the corner shop I’ll walk and not take the car.
Making journeys on foot is an easy way to increase the level of your daily physical activity. It's also a much cheaper, healthier and more enjoyable way to travel. Being fit and healthy is not difficult. Just a little bit of activity each day can make a big difference. Walking to the corner shop instead of taking the bus or driving, will help keep you fit and healthy.
I will walk to school with my children at least once a week.
Walking with your kids to school is a great way of saving money, getting fit and finding out about your local area all at the same time.
Physical activity helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It can also make you feel good about yourself – your general well-being, self-confidence, tolerance to stress, and even sleeping better. There's no need to worry about bus timetables or parking, comfy footwear is all you need.
It will also help you keep in shape, walking is good for bone density and posture. It helps keep you supple and build up stamina. You'll also burn some calories helping you keep trim. walking can also help you feel good. Being in the fresh air helps you stay more alert, and you see more of your local surroundings.
Reducing the number of cars on the school run is good for the environment and good for the safety of your kids. On the walk to school they be able to meet and walk with your friends and develop independence, planning and road safety skills.
Local schools regularly participate in the national Walk to School events in May and October. They are great ways of trying out walking to school.
I will go for a walk during my lunch break twice a week.
Fitting a walk into your day isn't always easy, but getting up from behind that desk and going for a walk at lunch can help you wind down and explore the local area. You'll find loads of walks right on your doorstep in the Stride Guide to North East Lincolnshire
I will register with www.TravelLincs.com and look for someone to car share with.
Finding someone to car share with is really easy, each day there are thousands of empty seats travelling around the area. TravelLincs.com puts you in contact with people who are making the same journey as you. By sharing your journey to work, college or the shops you could be saving hundreds of pounds each year and helping reduce traffic as well. Log on to TravellLincs.com to find your car share match.
I will ask my HR or Personnel Manager about setting up a car share scheme at my workplace.
All organisations are looking for smarter ways to work in order to reduce overheads. Most also have targets – or feel a responsibility - to take care of the environment and community in which they work. A liftshare scheme can tick both of these boxes and presents a genuine win-win solution.
I will ask around where I work to see if I can share my journey to work.
Asking around at work is one of the easiest ways to find someone to car share with, you'll be surprised how many people are making the same journey as you each morning.
Next time I’m going to a sporting event or concert I will try and share my journey.
TravelLincs.com doesn't have to be all about car sharing regular journeys. Its equally as good for one off events so next time you are off to the football, or a concert visit Travelincs.com and see if anyone else is going your way. By sharing the costs you'll both save enough for your half time pie!
I will swap the car for the bus to work once a week.
Swapping your car for the bus isn't always possible but why not try it once a week. You won't be alone, each day over 22,000 people use the bus to get about. Bus and train services run right across North East Lincolnshire, for more information and timetables visit the Stagecoach website or pop into the Travel Shop on Victoria Street, Grimsby.
I’ll visit traveline and plan a day out by bus or train.
Traveline is a national journey planning, so whether your are going by bus to Blackpool or by train to Torquay then log on to www.traveline.info. You'll find information on how to get there as well as how to get about your destination.
I will find out more about bus services in my local area.
Most local bus services in North East Lincolnshire are run by Stagecoach East Midlands. The bus network covers most of Grimsby, Cleethorpes and Immingham and runs from early morning until late in the evening. The Travel Information Webpage contains more details about bus and train services in your local area.
I will book a trip with Phone n Ride.
Phone n Ride provides people who have little or no access to normal bus services with the freedom to get out and about. The "little red buses" can be used by anyone, so whether you are having problems getting to work, can't get to the shops or just fancy a trip out with friends and family then book the bus. With no fixed route or timetable the service is built around its passengers. For more information visit www.phonenride.com or telephone (01472) 324440.
I’ll go for a family bike ride at the weekend.
An afternoon out with the family on your bikes can be great fun. You'll be surprised what you can see when your out and about on the local area on two wheels. The Pedal Guide to North East Lincolnshire gives you lots of ideas for rides out on a sunny afternoon.
I will cycle to work once a week.
If your bike has been in the shed for a few months then a riding to work everyday isn't going to be easy but by building up slowly one day at a time you'll soon get use to it. The new Cycle Map has been produced with people like you in mind. Each road has been graded so whether you're an experienced pedalpusher or getting back into the saddle that you can decide the types of road you are confident in using.
I will encourage my children to cycle to school.
Hundreds of kids already cycle to school each morning and most schools now have modern cycle sheds to encourage them to do so more often. For younger children why not ride with them, it's quicker than walking and there's no hassle trying to find a parking space when you get to school.
Many schools also offer Bikeability training to pupils in Years 5 and 6 providing them with valuable road awareness and safety life skills that will stay with them when they move up to Secondary School and beyond.
I will ask my HR or Personnel Manager about getting involved with the Cycle to Work scheme.
This Government backed scheme is a great way to get hold of a new bike. Any company can be involved, offering their employees the chance to get around 40% of the price of a new bike and accessories. The initiative allows employees to make tax and NI savings on the price of a new bike. There is more information about the scheme on the Department for Transport website.