New travel challenge aims to transform the way Wales gets to work

Sustainable transport charity Sustrans Cymru has recently launched a new version of their popular travel challenge to get Wales’ journey to work less about the car and more about healthier, greener and cheaper modes of transport.

‘Cymru Travel Challenge’ is supported by funding from Welsh Government. It is available to all workplaces throughout Wales, is free to take part in and initially runs from 6 – 23 May.  Taking part in the challenge has numerous benefits for both employers and employees: from increasing individual’s health and well-being; reducing workplaces’ carbon footprint to saving staff money and time on their daily commute.  There’s also the chance to win prizes along the way.

Every journey from commuting to running errands can be counted if it is made by bike, on foot or by public transport.  The online platform calculates how much an individual and a workplace saves in money, CO2 and calories, allowing everyone to appreciate the difference a simple change can make.

At the end of the challenge both the individuals and the organisations with the greatest number of walking journeys and cycling journeys within their size category will win a range of prizes including £100 of vouchers to donate to a charity of their choice.

A recent study featured by the BBC revealed that people who cycle to work weigh up to 5kg less than those who travel by car.  Cymru Travel Challenge offers a fun way for workplaces to get together and experience the benefits of active travel.

Jane Lorimer, National Director at Sustrans Cymru said:

‘‘I am thrilled we are launching this interactive platform that will encourage workplaces to take an active role in getting their staff to use healthier modes of transport.  We know that building physical activity into our everyday activities improves our health and well-being which is a crucial contributor to a successful workforce.

Staff will have fun taking part in the challenge and will be doing their bit for the environment and their well-being. Several organisations have already shown great enthusiasm and we hope that companies of all sizes will follow suit.’’

Fiona Jehu, Sustainability Co-ordinator at Dŵr Cymru, who took part in Sustrans’ previous workplace challenge said:

‘‘The Challenge focused our thinking, helped us promote the initiative and provided assistance to record our improved sustainable travel habits.’’

Registration for May’s challenge is open today, for more information and to register visit this page: https://travelchallenge.getmeactive-cymru.org.uk/