The Not Far? Leave the Car challenge allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Renfrewshire to earn BetterPoints for walking/wheeling, cycling and using public transport. Download the app via the buttons or QR code at the bottom of the page to join in and start earning rewards today!
Cheryl is a Risk Manager who lives in Houston. She’s used the app to explore Renfrewshire, achieve daily goals and leave the car at home.
“I decided that this was the year to focus on my health and lose weight, and since it had been almost two decades since I had been in a gym I decided to start with walking. I came across the BetterPoints app and thought that it was a good way to get rewarded for moving more and driving less. I'm quite competitive, so the daily points have become one of my daily goals.
I know I need to walk daily to hit my target, and weather permitting I will now walk to the local shop instead of taking the car, which I wouldn't have normally done. Knowing that I will earn points for taking the bus takes away the temptation to just drive into Glasgow on the days I go into the office.
I've noticed a vast improvement in my fitness levels and stamina since I stopped using the car for short journeys. I can complete my 10,000-step goal quicker than when I started, and I've gone onto joining the gym and going 3/4 times a week. On the days I don't go, I always try to hit my step goal. As a result, whereas previously I was walking on average between 3000 and 4000 steps a day, now I’m walking 10,000 steps at least 5 days a week. It’s made me more mindful of how much I move, something I would never have considered before.
I moved to Houston a couple of years ago, but it's only been since I started walking and this campaign that I've really seen much of the local area. I have found some great walking routes and trails and found that I really enjoy being out in nature. My Dogue de Bordeaux puppy is definitely benefitting from the extended walks too.
I like that the campaign is accessible by everyone. Mothers walking children in their prams, on the school run, going to do grocery shopping. Anyone can earn points just by putting one foot in front of the other. I like that it makes you think more about how you are going to travel too.
I haven't spent any of my points as yet, but I was thrilled to see that I could use my points to buy bus tickets. I will be using my points to save money on my journey into Glasgow from now on. It's a great incentive to leave the car behind."
If you're already using the app and would like to share your story and be our next Leave the Car Star, look out for the in-app survey.
If not, you can join start earning rewards today - simply download the free app via the buttons or QR below and register with a Renfrewshire postcode (or use the referral code notfarooa if you commute into the area)
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