Swap polluting miles for active smiles and win prizes

Prizes including a train trip to Europe and free gym memberships can be won by residents who try sustainable alternatives to driving on World Car Free Day (Friday, 22 September).

The council is backing this global initiative by urging everyone to see how much time and money they can save by walking, cycling or taking public transport instead.

Its My Journey Wokingham team is encouraging people to join the ongoing Love to Ride and BetterPoints challenges and see for themselves how easy, healthy and rewarding these greener, active choices can be.

It hopes people will then travel more sustainably all year round to support its goals of cutting carbon emissions and improving local air quality.

Points make prizes in high-tech challenge

Whether you ride, walk or get the train or bus, there are lots of rewards on offer through the free BetterPoints smartphone app.

This uses your phone's sensors to automatically track where and how you're travelling, so there's no need to log trips manually. Your steps or miles will win you points which can be converted into high street gift vouchers or charity donations.

Its My Journey Wokingham challenge is year-round, but Car Free Day is the ideal time try it as special prizes are available from 16 to 22 September, which marks the national TravelWise Week campaign.

Participants can enter a £100 prize draw by recording a car-free trip on every day of that week, with bonus points available daily.

Everyone who records a car-free trip over a mile on three of those days will enter a draw for £800 towards a trip on Eurostar with accommodation and spending money. Anyone recording a car-free trip on World Car Free Day could earn a coffee voucher.

Saddle up for gym membership and more

Cyclists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join Love to Ride's Cycle September initiative, which is taking place all month but is offering some extra special rewards on Car Free Day.

After signing up online or downloading the smartphone app, which is quick and free, anyone who logs even a short ride on 22 September will be in the running for prizes donated by Move HQ - a high-end gym based at Winnersh Triangle.

These include a platinum annual membership worth £770 or 10 yoga and Pilates classes worth £80 each. This is on top of the challenge’s Cycle September prizes, including a Brompton electric bike and a £4,000 holiday, and other year-round Love to Ride initiatives.

More than 2,700 people have taken part in Love to Ride in Wokingham Borough and now is a great opportunity to join them.

Quicker trips than you might expect

Cllr Paul Fishwick, executive member for active travel, transport and highways, said: "We know people can't always leave the car behind, especially for longer trips, but we want to show it's easier to cut back on driving than you might think.

"You may be driving more than you need to, just because it's become a habit over many years - so why not use World Car Free Day to try some healthier habits? It's better for you and the planet, and there are some great rewards on offer for giving it a go."

The council is working hard to promote walking and cycling for all ages and provide safer routes for both, subject to funding, as well as supporting local bus routes and providing infrastructure to encourage electric vehicle ownership.

For more about these initiatives, visit My Journey Wokingham's site or follow the team on Facebook and Twitter.