Win £10 by inspiring others to switch to healthier and greener travel habits
The Choose How You Move challenge allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Warwick District to earn BetterPoints and win prizes for walking, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the 'Ditch the Car Star'. Teresa was chosen as our latest winner and received 10,000 BetterPoints (£10) for sharing her story. For your chance to win £10, download the app via the buttons or QR code at the bottom of the page!
Teresa would travel by car all the time. That all changed though when she relocated to Leamington and came across the BetterPoints app. Now, she’s a public transport convert and doesn’t even have a car. Here is what she had to say:
Before joining the Choose How You Move Warwick challenge, what were your travel habits like?
“I used to drive everywhere. That was until I moved to Leamington about 5 months ago.
My flat is close to the town centre. I knew everything I needed was accessible by foot and public transport, so I decided to get rid of my car even before I moved. I wanted to make a positive start to my time here and save money given the cost of living crisis.
I was recommended the app when I first arrived in Leamington and I’ve loved using it since."
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“It has given me the encouragement to be more active. I’ll now go for a walk to the park to feed the ducks as it gets me outside, particularly at the moment with the 11 minutes Move More in '24 campaign that is ongoing.
I like that local events are promoted. I went to Art in the Park and Leamington Food Festival last year, which I wouldn’t have heard about but for the app. It’s really nice to go to such things and feel part of the community, especially as a new resident.”
How have your travel habits changed?
“I’m walking or using public transport to get to medical appointments, to get to the supermarket, to travel to work, you name it. I’m using the bus twice a day, up to 4 or 5 times a week.”
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
"I suffer a lot with mental health so I would say I am feeling healthier more than anything.
Not having a car took a little getting used to, but now it feels perfectly normal. Not driving means I’m able to take in my surroundings and see all the interesting things I never used to notice in the car.
Using public transport has led me to talk to other passengers and hear their stories and learn about the local area, which has been really nice.”
Not yet earning rewards for walking, wheeling, cycling and taking public transport? To join Choose How You Move Warwick District simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR below and tap Challenges to get started.
