The Commuter Newsletter July 2022

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The Commuter Newsletter
July 2022


New Car Club sites launched 

Enterprise Car Club continues to expand its services in Leeds, with two new vehicles available at St Peters Place in time for the opening of the new SOYO development at Quarry Hill. The new car club spaces will then be relocated into Quarry Hill as and when construction allows, along with a third car club space. SOYO residents will be able to enjoy free trial membership for 12 months and use of the car club as a viable alternative to car ownership or a second car. Car clubs offer the option of hiring a vehicle by the hour or by the day, perfect for day trips, visiting friends and families, shopping trips and other errands. Car clubs use dedicated parking bays, and so parking is never a problem. The map on this link shows the wider network of vehicles across the city. Many are close to rail stations such as Kirkstall Forge, Guiseley, New Pudsey, East Garforth and Leeds City. The two new bays on the public highway at St Peters Place and the free trial membership for SOYO residents have been organised by Leeds City Council, funded by Caddick Construction; thanks to Charlotte Best at Fore Consulting for liaising behind the scenes to make this happen.

 

car club

Hurry! Grants for ‘Community Active Travel Hubs’

There are only a few days left for organisations in Leeds to apply for grants of up to £50,000 to set up ‘one-stop shops’ that help people to walk, cycle, scoot and wheel (using a wheelchair or mobility aid). The funding, via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, is open to social enterprises, registered charities, community interest companies, local authorities, and private limited companies. The Community Active Travel Hubs will help people to make more journeys on foot, by bike, on scooters and to cater for those using a wheelchair or mobility aid. Quick, though! The deadline for grant applications is midnight on Friday 15 July 2022. Click here to find out more.

woman and child with bike helmet

Evening bus fares

Working late, on shifts or going out after work? Getting home will be cheap and easy, thanks to the £1.40 evening fare, valid for any single journey after 7pm (except Park and Ride), which recently became a permanent feature of the First Bus product range. You don’t need to stay in Leeds, either, as the ticket is valid for any journey across West Yorkshire. So leave the car at home and enjoy the ride! £1.40 evening offer | First Bus

bus fare ad

Commute to Bradford? The Clean Air Zone goes live on Monday 26 September 2022

If you commute to Bradford, then you will soon benefit from cleaner, fresher air in the city. A new Clean Air Zone comes into force on 26 September, to make the air healthier for everyone. If you drive and your vehicle meets the required emissions standards, you will not have to pay the daily charge to enter the new Clean Air Zone. If, though, your vehicle produces dirty emissions, you will pay a daily charge to enter the zone. The new Clean Air Zone will reduce the amount of dangerous pollution for all, both within the Clean Air Zone and beyond. This will help Bradford to comply with the legal limits for air quality, so that everyone who lives in or travels to Bradford can enjoy the health benefits of cleaner air as soon as possible. Find out more about the new Clean Air Zone (including exemptions) here.

car exhaust fumes

Bus Improvement Plan - have your say

How could the bus services in Leeds be better? The West Yorkshire Combined Authority has got £25 million to spend on new and improved services. Use the online survey at www.mayorsbigbuschat.co.uk or speak to staff at one of the drop-in sessions that will be held across West Yorkshire during July, August and September to help. WYCA will use the results of the survey to help shape their Bus Service Improvement Plan and other improvements.


Work while you walk – National Walking Month

Staff at the SCP Group in Leeds say they’re more likely to walk to (and for) work after taking part in National Walking Month last May. The workers clipped on their pedometers (or downloaded an app!), laced up their shoes and stretched their legs to take part in a ‘Pedometer Challenge’ and clock up as many steps as possible. “We took the opportunity to get active and learn about the local walks in the places where we work and live,” said office administrator Rachel Duckworth, who helped to organise the challenge for the transport consultancy. She and her colleagues soon felt the benefits, which is no surprise as walking increases energy levels, improves mood, cognition, memory and sleep. “Some members of staff literally went the extra mile by opting for walking meetings where possible: this means that they’re use their time efficiently – not only getting their work done but staying fit and active at the same time, a habit that has continued long past the end of Walking Month. And with some staff still choosing to work from home part-time, we’re going to have to make the conscious choice to get up and out each day to stay healthy and meet our personal goals.”

walking meeting scp group

 

The initiative was just one of many that took place during Walking Month. That included a series of lunchtime walks (led by Rachel Unsworth), funded by the Influencing Travel Behaviour team at Leeds City Council. 60% of those who attended said they would consider walking more often as a result. Encourage your staff to build workplace walking into their day.

  • Swap driving for walking for all or part of your journey on your daily commute.
  • Get off the bus a few stops early and walk the rest of the way.
  • Try walking meetings or go for a stroll in your lunch break.
  • The Connecting Leeds Walking page has got links to campaigns and information, including ideas for some great walks in and around Leeds.
  • If you work from home, go for a walk before or after work or stride the kids to and from school.
  • There is help for businesses who want to become walk friendly organisations at City Connect.
  • Find out how easy it is to fit walking into your daily commute: watch our case study video. 
rachel unsworth