Can we do more to travel sustainably? How changing your travel behaviour could be good for the environment

can we do more to travel Before I introduce myself and prescribe some ideas and recommendations to get you travelling more sustainably, I have a few questions for you to answer. sustainablY?

Question 1 Have you ever been in a car (driver or passenger) and made a journey that could have been done by another mode of transport? Unless you have never been in a car, I imagine your answer will be yes.

Question 2 Are you likely to consider other modes of transport if they were made easier (in terms of safety, time, money and convenience)? Hypothetically speaking, your answer is a yes, in reality, it’s not that straight forward.

Can we do more to travel sustainably? Do we want to? Do we need to?

Hi I’m Ross. I’m a transport planner and the volunteer Chair for an organisation called Modeshift, supporting the delivery of sustainable travel for organisations, schools, communities in the UK. I was born and raised in London, enjoying an integrated transport system for the majority of my life before moving to Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire nine years ago. I own and drive a car for multiple types of trips.

I’m fully on-board, as are the majority of people in the UK believing that we need to pick up our game and be more proactive when it comes to sustainability. I need to switch out more car trips for alternative modes of travel and to do that I need to focus on what I can do, rather than what others can do for me. For example, it’s easy to fall into the trap of ‘Why don’t THEY build more cycle lanes’? Why don’t THEY make buses free and more regular’? These examples are outside of my control and sit within what’s called ‘The Circle of Concern’. They are what concern me; they drive negative thoughts with zero action.

In order to be proactive, I need to focus more on my ‘Circle of Influence’. This is where I take action, I make commitments and promises. For example ‘I’ll try something new’, ‘I’ll get more information’, ‘I can’t change every journey but I can change that one’. See the difference? So if you’re willing to be proactive, what next?

LEARN: • Don’t know what your options are? Find out by visiting your local authority website and Traveline www.traveline.info • Can’t ride a bike and want to? Most councils offer Cycle skills training (by qualified experts) for children and adults

TRy: • Switch out a journey to another mode, look to car share (search lift share or clubs in your areas), perhaps park further away and walk the rest of the journey

inform: • Share what you are doing with family, friends and colleagues • Many schools and businesses around the country are very supportive of sustainable travel. Why not see what they are doing already, and if that’s nothing or very little, here are some ideas

Modeshift STARS is a free scheme for all schools in England. Schools can sign up, get ideas, bring about positive change and receive an award for their achievements. There is also a Business version for organisations to sign-up and get involved. Like the school’s scheme, there are loads of ideas and an accreditation scheme to participate in. Visit www.modeshiftstars.org Changing your travel behaviour is not only good for the environment, it can also save you money and help you lead a healthier life, but you know that already. So, don’t wait for something to happen, be proactive and make a change.