People encouraged to 'scoot or skip' to work

Workers are being encouraged to make simple changes to their commutes with the return of Better Journeys Week.

The annual project in Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man, which was previously known as Alternative Transport Week, takes place from 18 to 22 May.

The Better Journeys campaign encourages people to leave their cars at home and use the bus, cycle or walk to work or school.

This year organisers want people to try a new way of commuting and share their experiences on social media. As well as prioritising public transport and cycling, the project wants islanders to "keep things fun" by "scooting or even skipping to work".

Those behind the project want participants to "share their chosen mode of transport on social media" throughout the week.

They say that doing so can "turn routine journeys into more positive, rewarding experiences".

If people do have to drive, they should aim to "optimise the journey" by sharing the trip with others and try to get "as much as possible done in one journey, rather than making multiple trips," organisers said.

Business owners are also being asked to encourage their staff to take part, with suggestions including step-counting competitions, sponsored bus passes and cycling buddy schemes, so that people can travel to work together.

"We all know that our islands are beautiful and travelling by bike, bus or foot allows us to experience our islands in a way a car doesn't," said Rollo de Sausmarez, chairman of the project.

"Better Journeys Week helps us to engage with our environment and the world around us whilst we commute, rather than rushing past it.

"We invite all islanders to enjoy their island homes in this way by taking part in Better Journeys Week."

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