The week of 15th May marks two important initiatives: WHO’s UN Global Road Safety Week and Alternative Transport Week. Both movements encourage citizens to rethink the way they travel and how are roads are used, with the aim of improving safety, wellbeing, and creating a positive impact on the environment.
Around 1.3 million people are killed on the roads each year. Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide – in fact, for people between the ages of five and 29, there is no greater threat to their lives. WHO’s Road Safety Week this year focuses on sustainable transport – particularly the need to shift to using public transport, walking, or cycling – as part of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. What better time, then, to join the Island-wide ‘Alternative Transport Week’ challenge? As part of this challenge, all Islanders are encouraged to ditch their typical modes of travel and try something different – whether that’s car-sharing, walking or cycling. Have fun with it!
Alternative Transport Week: Things to Try
However, you normally travel to work, this is the week to test out something different – and enjoy a new form of transport! Here are some suggestions of things to try:
Walking
What better way to enjoy the beauty of the islands – and get some much-needed Vitamin D – than by going for a stroll? Walking has great benefits, too, and you’ll soon notice a big improvement in your daily step count!
There are ways to make walking even more enjoyable, too. You can partner up with someone and make the journey together, using the time to catch up properly; you could pick a scenic route and get to know parts of the island you don’t know as well; or even set yourself a daily step challenge and see if you can break it. And what about networking? Better Journeys Guernsey will be launching a ‘Social Net-walking’ event, which will encouraging socialising and networking on your walk to work – keep an eye on their website for more information! Move More Jersey provide short walks for all abilities, they are led by fully trained and friendly walk leaders, and they are available to take part for free!
Cycling
Avoid the traffic and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Island by hopping onto your bike. Buddy up with someone and add a social dimension to your morning commute; set yourself a challenge to see how many miles you can cycle in a week; try different routes and get to know different parts of the island; or see if there’s a group of people in your office who’d like to form a ‘cycle-train’ and you can all travel together (a great way to connect with people at work whom you don’t know as well).
Bus Sit back and relax by taking the bus – it couldn’t be easier. Google Maps make planning the journey simple: many bus companies have helpful journey planner as well as timetables, plus details on fares and tickets.
What about car journeys?
Due to the environmental focus of both Road Safety Week and Alternative Transport Week, it would be best not to use the car at all this week if it can possibly be avoided – but if that’s not possible, why not try a car share? Pick up a friend en route or plan a car pool to get the children to school; even cutting down on a few trips will make a difference!
