BetterPoints Oxfordshire allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Oxfordshire to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, running, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the Oxfordshire Star. Boyd was chosen as our latest winner and received 20,000 BetterPoints (£20) for sharing his story. For your chance to win, download the app via the App Store or Google Play or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page.
Boyd works at the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford. Off the back of joining BetterPoints Oxfordshire, he has cut down his car use in favour of more walking and train trips. Here is what he had to say:
How did you find out about the app and why did you choose to get involved?
"I was introduced through a members group that I’m a part of that works with the council. I was interested personally and from a University of Oxford point of view, as we’re trying to encourage greener commuting amongst staff. It appeared ideal for this.
What were your travel habits like before you joined the app?
“I was using the car for quite a bit of my commute. I would drive from my village to Bicester, then get the bus to campus.
Using the app allowed me to see how my journey was broken down, how much I was doing by car, by bus, etc. and the points, calories and emissions associated with that.
It really got me thinking, ‘if I try a different way what benefit will it have on my health and the environment?’
How have your travel habits changed since using the app?
“I’m now parking further from Bicester town centre and then walking to the train station. After that I’ll take the train to Oxford, walk for 15 minutes and then get a connecting bus to campus.
I’m getting at least an extra 30 minutes of walking in a day, which has meant I’m earning more points and saving more CO2. Even with more changes, it’s quicker than before.
Beyond work, I’m now walking to my local news agents on Sunday to get a paper. I used to drive but as I had the app I thought, ‘hang on, I should try walking this.’ I walked it once, saw the positive stats, and haven’t looked back.
How has the app helped you? What features do you enjoy?
“It has been the combination of the rewards and data. You don’t earn much from one journey but over a few weeks you can turn it into something interesting. I’m looking forward to the moment I say to colleagues, ‘I’ve been able to buy this from the app!’.
I’ve enjoyed getting messages through saying that I’ve met the NHS recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. It wasn’t something I was aware of, so to meet that weekly target has felt like a reward in itself.
What benefits have you noticed as a result?
“The extra walking has meant I’m feeling more relaxed and less stressed when I arrive at work. I am also gradually getting fitter and inevitably there is less wear and tear on the car by driving less.”
To join BetterPoints Oxfordshire, simply download the free BetterPoints app via the buttons or QR code below and register an account with your Oxfordshire postcode. If you live outside but commute in to the county please enter the referral code: bpoxooa.
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