Win £25 by inspiring others to switch to greener and healthier travel habits
The Surrey's Greener Future challenge allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Surrey to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, running, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the Greener Future Star. Elizabeth was chosen as our latest winner and received 25,000 BetterPoints (£25) for sharing her story. For your chance to win, download the app via the buttons or QR code at the bottom of the page!
When Shalford resident Elizabeth discovered Surrey’s Greener Future, she saw the perfect chance to make her family’s school runs more active. Now, cycling has become a rewarding part of her everyday routine. Here is what she had to say:
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How did you find out about Surrey’s Greener Future and why did you choose to get involved?
“I heard about it on Spotify, my ears pricked up when I heard a local ad about a programme in Surrey to encourage walking and cycling.
It was well timed as both my kids started going to the same school, so we were thinking about walking or cycling to school together. My daughter had a bike already, but I bought a bike for my son and me.
It was spring, so we felt motivated to give it a go as the weather was pretty nice.
Before joining the challenge, what were your travel habits like?
“We’d considered healthier ways to do the school run but my daughter was going to childcare a long way away, so driving was the only real option.
But everything came together with the school move, the weather, and discovering the app to try and make the change.
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“It’s really straightforward to use, and what’s not to like about the rewards it gives you? I’m saving up my points and planning to cash them in at Christmas.
It’s always encouraging too when you reach the NHS recommended target of 150 minutes per week. Seeing the CO2 avoided figures gives me a feel-good feeling as well.
How have your habits changed since using the app?
“I hadn’t cycled for a long time before we started cycling to school, and we’re now doing it every day pretty much. It takes 10 minutes on the bike or 20 minutes if we walk. We’ll go on the quiet roads with the kids on the pavement. It has really helped to build my confidence on the bike.
On top of the school run I’ll do a 10km cycle once a week, which involves stopping off at the neighbouring village to do a bit of shopping. I have a proper Miss Marple basket on the front and a rucksack on my back!
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“We’ve noticed a difference in terms of cost, as we’re not using the car as much.
I am feeling fitter, and I know it is good for my mental health. If I’m stressed or I need to solve a problem at work, cycling really helps. It allows me to decompress and clear my head.”
Not yet earning rewards for walking, wheeling, running, cycling and taking public transport? To join Surrey's Greener Future simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR below and register an account with your Surrey postcode. If you live outside but commute in please enter the referral code: surreygf.
