One of the best ways you can have a positive impact on your health, your pocket and the environment is to drive less. Independent transport experts have estimated that around 40% of the car trips we take today can easily be done through other means - walking, cycling, or taking the bus. The fact is that these days we have become too used to jumping in the car, and often assume it will be the quickest and easiest way to make a journey, even when it isn't.
However, the alternatives are there and will help you get fit, save money, and cut your personal contribution to Climate Change. We recommend 4 simple steps:
1. Get on your bike (or else walk) for trips under 5km
Of course there are some trips where you need a car, but it's worth trying some of your regular short car or bus trips by bike or foot. After a while you will feel fitter and more relaxed, and maybe even lose some weight. If you don't own a bike, then it's definitely worth getting back in the saddle. Visit your local bike shop or follow this link to look at some bicycle prices
2. Join a Car Club near you (if you're lucky enough to live near one).
These are car hire schemes where the cars are parked on residential streets. You can book a specific car on the phone or Internet, and then access it with your coded membership card. This means you have access to a car when you need one. Car clubs allow members to hire cars for short periods, meaning that people who need to use a car occasionally don't have to buy and maintain a vehicle of their own. They have been demonstrated as a successful alternative to car ownership and a means of reducing congestion, with each car club vehicle replacing up to 10 privately owned vehicles on the capital's roads, and members reducing their car use by more than a third (36%).If you only use your car occasionally, it should mean you can get rid of your own car, and will save a small fortune. The biggest Car Club networks are:
• http://www.streetcar.co.uk/
• http://zipcar.co.uk/
• http://www.whizzgo.co.uk/
• http://www.citycarclub.co.uk/index.php
3. Use the train, coach or bus whenever you can for longer trips
In general a train, bus or a coach trip will generate significantly less pollution than the same trip made by car. Plus by travelling on public transport you are helping support it. You can plan your journey and buy coach and rail tickets on:
• http://www.nationalexpress.com
• www.theTrainLine.com
• www.railsaver.co.uk
