This month’s Sussex Sustainable Travel Star is Katie, a PhD Biology student studying the movement ecology of the horseshoe bat. Katie has used BetterPoints to change from using the car to various sustainable modes to travel for both work and leisure. Here's her story:
"I heard about EcoGo through the university's weekly email updates, This is Sussex, and thought that signing up the scheme might help encourage me to choose more active travel for my commute to work.
The BetterPoints app has definitely encouraged me to think more smartly about how I travel and to be more active in general. I will more frequently choose to walk or ride my bike to places around Brighton & Hove, and opt to take the bus instead of using my car when a vehicle is needed. It's also nice to get extra rewards for exercising at the gym or the climbing centre, and for thinking about how I dispose of my waste products. In general, I have noticed a massive increase in my fitness and wellbeing, and I'm definitely being more environmentally conscious thanks to the scheme.
I normally travel into campus using my bike as I feel extremely safe using the bicycle network in Brighton and Hove - a big difference to my hometown! Sometimes I will use the bus if I have to transport heavy equipment or supplies to my office, or if the weather is extremely bad. With my old job, I had to commute using my own personal vehicle as public transport links were not available, so it's extremely refreshing being able to leave the car at home and to commute with active travel.
I have discovered many lovely parks around Brighton & Hove on foot, my favourite being Queens Park in Hanover. Wandering around the city during the weekend, I often find a new cafe, bar, restaurant or shop that I haven't been to before, which I would completely miss whilst driving or taking the bus.
The automatic tracking on the app is absolutely excellent and means I don't have to think about starting an activity to gain any BetterPoints. The additional prize draws are also really exciting, and it was a lovely surprise to win an extra 1,000 points in one of the daily draws just a couple of weeks ago. So far, I've treated myself to a £5 cafe gift card using my BetterPoints."
Massive well done to Katie, March’s Sussex Sustainable Travel Star and winner of 10,000 BetterPoints. If you think it could be you next month, take our Sussex Star survey on the app now!
If you're not signed up to EcoGo, it's free and all you need is a @sussex.ac.uk email address - download the BetterPoints app to get started here.