WALKING round the Ding has never been more rewarding, thanks to the launch of a new scheme.
Anyone who signs up to the Reading Travel Rewards Challenge can earn points when they ditch the car, instead using their feet, getting on their bike or catching a bus or train.
Journeys are tracked on an app that also charts activity across the week, including routes travelled and the time taken, calories burned and the pollution avoided through limiting Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
And to make it interesting, there are challenges for people to sign up to, including a Bus Builder reward for February and a cycling activity in March.
Anyone signing up now can choose from three rewards simply for choosing active and sustainable travel choices.
The points that people earn can be redeemed for vouchers at high street stores, restaurants and supermarkets – or donated to charity.
Bus travel is currently capped at £2 for a single journey, thanks to a government initiative that runs until the end of March.
Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport, is backing the campaign.
“I’m delighted we have the opportunity to incentivise and reward local people for their active and sustainable travel choices,” he said.
“January is a great time for everybody to improve their habits and try and make some lasting changes.”
He encouraged people to download the Innovation Valley Rewards App to take part in then Reading Travel Rewards Challenge.
“Then you can ditch the car to play a part in making Reading a cleaner, greener place in which to live. You’ll probably feel the difference in your physical and mental health, as well as your pocket,” he said.
The app can be downloaded by anyone aged 13 and older, from the App Store for iPhones, and the Google Play Store for Android phones. The project runs until March 31.
