Think Green, Think Fun, Think Health

It’s never too late to start thinking about switching away from the car for journeys to a more sustainable form of travel. Whether it’s walking, cycling, scooting or even hopping in a kayak – abandoning the car for short distance trips has benefits for your health, wellbeing and is a much greener choice!

Many residents across West Sussex have already discovered the benefits of switching to active travel options for local journeys as well as simply getting outdoors and being active every day.

If you are visiting the shops or making the school run, could you think differently about your daily trips? Why not make your journey a greener and healthier one by looking to other modes of transport rather than the car?

This autumn we’d like everyone to consider their travel choices – school children, college and university students, parents and commuters.

The benefits of changing to a greener mode of transport extend wider than helping to tackle climate change – being more active has proven health benefits too.

Make your day greener, healthier, safer and more active by rethinking your journey every time you leave the house.

* Please note: although trials of e-scooter public hire schemes are taking place in some parts of the country, it is illegal to use privately-owned electric scooters on the public highway.

As part of our Active Travel campaign, funded by the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Active Travel Fund, we are engaging with both schools and the wider community, sharing key messages to ensure everyone’s journey runs as safely as possible.

We’re also:

• Encouraging schools to develop their own travel plans to promote active and sustainable travel choices for school journeys.
• Considering a range of different measures and initiatives to encourage parents, carers and pupils/students to think active travel first for the school run, making their journeys greener, healthier, safer and more active.
• Helping everyone to think more about switching to active and sustainable transport options, wherever possible.

As one of the UK's most diverse counties, West Sussex covers coasts, national parks and farmland. With such a variety of outdoor spaces, we’re incredibly lucky that we can explore such beautiful places throughout the year, whilst staying fit and healthy.

There are loads of family-friendly activities you could do:

• Visit the beach.
• Go for a walk.
• Enjoy water sports.
• Go cycling.

Visit the Things To Do page on the Experience West Sussex website for more inspiration and start planning your next active adventure!

With the new academic year underway, why not ditch the car and try walking or cycling to school?

You could save money, stay active and ensure your little ones arrive refreshed and ready for the day ahead! Not to mention the reduction in your carbon footprint.

Did you know that several studies have documented how children benefit academically from active commuting? If your child is starting school this year, set them up for success by walking, scooting or cycling to school!

Need more reasons, visit the Very Well Family website and read their article '5 reasons your kids should walk to school'.

It’s typically quicker to cycle; however, it’s important to ensure your child has the skills and confidence to do so. This is where Bikeability comes in!

There are three Bikeability levels, from the basics of balance and control all the way to planning and making an independent journey on busier roads.

Find out what courses are available near you.

Better Health, provided by the NHS, want to encourage you to kickstart yours and your children's health.

To do so, they have just launched their 10 Minute Shake Up campaign in collaboration with Disney!

The campaign aims to inspire children and parents to get active together by breaking down the recommended daily hour of activity into manageable chunks.

Each session has fun games which include some of their favourite Disney & Pixar characters!

Get the kids off the sofa and choose one of the boredom-busting games from the website today.

Walking and cycling have so many benefits, not just for your health, but also for the planet.

Both activities burn calories, get your heart pumping and can even lift your mood and improve your health and wellbeing.

They are also brilliant activities for families to enjoy together. In fact, one study concluded that walking a mile and a half would release 75% less greenhouse gas than we would produce from driving the same distance.

So, the next time you are thinking of getting behind the wheel for a short journey, grab those walking shoes and enjoy an active stroll instead. It will make a huge difference in your health and the environment.

West Sussex has various walking and cycling routes to explore. Whether you're looking for a short stroll, hilly hike, a gentle ride or something a little more challenging, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some useful links for your next family walk or cycle:

• Experience West Sussex
• Walking & cycling
• Public Rights of Way iMap
• Easy walking trails
• The countryside code

Whether it’s a bus or a train, using public transport has many benefits. You can enjoy a less stressful journey, reduce pollution/congestion in towns and cities, reduce your carbon footprint, all while having fun!

Here in West Sussex, there are various options to choose from:

• Get the bus.
• Get the train.
• Car share.

Planning a long journey on public transport with children can seem daunting. How will you keep them entertained? What should you bring? It all comes down to preparation.

Here are some top tips to make your journey exciting and enjoyable:

• Bring a new toy out with you. If your child is young enough, remove one of their toys prior to your journey and then bring it back out for them to enjoy.
• Give them a colouring book.
• Bring magazines.
• Get them a new book.
• Download their favourite programmes or films.
• Bring stickers! They love them.
• Bring snacks!

Hopefully, those tips will help you feel more prepared for your journeys this summer!

Make your day greener, healthier, safer and more active by re-thinking your journey every time you leave the house.

To help you plan your next journey, we’ve compiled a list of helpful links:

• Plan your train journey
• Bus and Coach Travel
• Discount on rail fares
• Active travel options