Commuters

In the UK, we use our cars more than some other European countries. Germany for example has higher car ownership but less mileage per car. In the UK, 50% of all car journeys are for less than 2 miles, which suggests we have lost the habit of walking or cycling short journeys – changing this is an opportunity for improving public health as well as the environment. Short car journeys are also the most damaging to the environment. Catalytic converters are only effective for journeys over 5km and the first kilometre produces 60% more fumes.

Cycling is fast becoming one of the UK’s most popular leisure and sport pastimes. However more and more people are deciding to leave their cars at home and use their bikes for the journey to work. Congested streets, rising air pollution, difficulty parking, parking charges and ever increasing cost of fuel are all reasons to make cycling a great option and increasingly relevant as a mode of transport not only for leisure, but especially for the work journey. Cycling to work has a number of benefits to both employers and employees. How many of them are relevant to you?

From 1996-2004, the percentage of people walking to work has decreased from 11.3% to 9%. Not surprisingly, car use has increased from 79.9% to 82% in the same period.

With the increase in numbers of bus lanes and improved rail networks, public transport is more convenient than ever and a sure way of beating the peak time traffic.

A great way for people who work in the city but live in rural areas to cut down on travel costs, time and the tiredness associated with travelling long distances every day.

Park and Ride is a simple but effective way to reduce traffic congestion.

By parking your car in a Park and Ride car park and taking the bus or train you can save money, reduce your journey time to congested urban centres and reduce stress.