In this page we will:
- Give you guidance on some common journey types
- Share the benefits of choosing not to use your car
This is step 2 of the Brake Roadmap to safe and healthy journeys, in partnership with Direct Line and Green Flag, helping you to learn about, and make, safe and healthy journey choices.
Around two-thirds of all UK journeys are made by car, many of which could be made on foot or bike, or by public transport. While each trip may not seem like much, it all adds up to a lot of unnecessary car use.
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Guidance for different journey types
Before you set out on your journeys, take some time to consider whether your planned mode of transport is the best choice for you, for others and for the planet.
Short journeys
About to go on a short journey? Consider if you could walk or cycle instead of taking the car.
You can use Sustrans’ route finder to explore walking and cycling routes in your area and work out the safest, most pleasant way to get to your destination on foot or bike. Get into the habit of leaving the car at home for these shorter journeys and you’ll spend less money on petrol and feel healthier for the exercise – plus you’ll be helping to make your area a nicer, less polluted place.
Longer journeys
Planning a long journey? Instead of driving, could you take a bus, train or coach instead?
If you book in advance, the cost of tickets can often work out cheaper than what you’d spend on petrol and you can sit back and relax without the stress of driving. You can look up public transport options by region at www.traveline.info.
Commuting
If you drive to and from work, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to switch to a sustainable commute, which may be quicker, cheaper, healthier and less stressful. Research shows that people who commute by walking and cycling are better able to concentrate and are less stressed. Look online at your local travel information to see what sustainable transport options you have, including bus routes, train services and safe cycle paths.
If you want to cycle to work but don’t own a bike, find out if your employer participates in the government’s Cycle to Work initiative, which allows you to purchase a new bike (and related equipment like cycle paths) tax-free, and pay monthly straight from your salary. If your employer hasn't signed up to the scheme, ask a relevant member of staff to look at the benefits to employers and the guidance for employers and encourage them to sign up.
The school run
Choosing to walk or cycle on the school run, rather than drive, can be a great way for families to exercise together and helps reduce road congestion. Read our advice on walking and cycling with children for more information!
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Do you need to drive?
By making healthy travel choices, we can all help to improve road
safety and public health, and reduce environmental and economic costs to society from our over-reliance on cars. Fewer cars on the road means fewer road deaths
and injuries, less congestion, less emissions and more pleasant,
sociable communities!
Whether you're doing the school run on foot or bike, walking to the local shop instead of driving to the supermarket, or taking public transport to work instead of driving, incorporating active and sustainable travel into your routine can be really simple, and it’s a great way to stay active, save money, and do your bit for the environment.
For each journey you make by car, ask yourself if there’s a more
sustainable and healthy option.
Find out more about the way we travel by exploring the government's National Travel Survey report and statistics.
Check your carbon footprint
Did you know that car journeys make up
6 in 10
of all trips in Britain?
> Move on to step 3 >
Checking it's safe to travel< Move back to step 1 <
Choosing your vehicleShow your commitment to making safe and healthy journey choices
