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, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the 'Greener Future Star'. Abi was chosen as our latest winner and received 25,000 BetterPoints (£25) for sharing her story. For your chance to win £25, download the app via the buttons or QR code at the bottom of the page!
Abi from Haslemere was introduced to the BetterPoints app by her neighbour. The Surrey’s Greener Future challenge, in particularly the local ice cream vouchers in the rewards catalogue, has motivated her to ditch the car in favour of cycling her daughter to nursery. Here is what she had to say:
Why did you choose to get involved in the challenge?
“The motivation for joining was that it would hopefully encourage me to do more active travel. I was walking to the shops already, but I wanted to do more.
When I was looking through the app I saw I could redeem my points with Dylan’s Ice Cream, so I was motivated even more knowing I could buy my daughter an ice cream.
I used to drive my daughter to nursery every day, a 15 minute drive each way. It was the app that encouraged us to try cycling instead. With a toddler you can only walk so far, so we gave cycling a go.
How have your travel habits changed since using the app?
“I bought an e-bike through the cycle to work scheme and put a seat on the back for my daughter. We tried it for the first time last summer. I had never cycled as an adult, so I was nervous at first, especially with the precious cargo. But once we got into the swing of it, it has been lovely. You get the fresh air, we’re able to talk to each other and it is often quicker, especially in the evenings when the traffic in Haslemere can be terrible. We’re easily able to stop off at the playground on the way home which is nice too.
If I need to pop down to the supermarket, I’ll now go on the bike instead. My husband has started cycling as well.
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“If I hadn’t had the app, I wouldn’t have been proactive about getting the e-bike. It made cycling an appealing prospect, knowing I would be rewarded.
I like when I’m confirming an activity and the app asks, ‘did this trip replace a car journey?’ and I proudly answer ‘yes!’.
The journey data has had an impact. It is satisfying to see and has made me realise I didn’t have much of an excuse for not driving short journeys. The app doesn’t nag you, but it makes the positive travel choice more pressing in your mind.
I like seeing other people winning in prize draws. It makes you appreciate others are using it and doing their bit so to speak. It gives me extra motivation knowing I’m not alone.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“I feel a lot more relaxed in the morning after cycling. The journey time on the bike is a lot more predictable so it has reduced stress levels. I’m saving money on petrol obviously.
As well there is the ‘feeling less guilty’ factor by not driving. Having a young child I am conscious of what I can do to protect their future. Whilst I’m aware I’m not going to save the world on my own, it feels good knowing I’m making a small, yet positive contribution.”
Not yet earning rewards for walking, wheeling, 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 to the county please enter the referral code: surreygf.
