.png)
The BetterPoints Southwark challenge allows everyone who lives, works or studies in Southwark to earn BetterPoints for walking/wheeling, cycling and using public transport. Download the app via the buttons or QR code at the bottom of the page to join in and start earning rewards today!
Jinah works as a teacher in various schools around London. She’s used the app to get back on a bike for the first time in 20 years and experience all of the benefits that cycling can bring.
“With my workplaces being dotted around, I originally used a car to travel but with London traffic, the journey length would sometimes be twice what it should be. This took a toll on my mental health as it cut into a lot of my free time. I then used the tube to get around but I found it almost impossible to have a calm journey to work; this was particularly the case during peak times.
I looked into other ways of travelling and came across this app which motivated me to make a major change to the way I travelled. Although I hadn’t touched a bike for about 20 years, this campaign gave me the boost I needed to get back on a bike, providing me with healthy exercise at the same time.
Not only did cycling make me feel that I was doing my bit in helping the environment, I would also arrive at work in a much better mindset given the exercise I was getting. During my cycle commutes to work, I’ve seen beautiful sunrises and sunsets across London - something that hadn't seen on the tube for obvious reasons!
I now make a conscious effort to plan out my routes to see if I can get there with my bike, as I love to find new areas, whether it be another sunset or perhaps a little park for a picnic. If I’m not able to get there directly by bike, I try to travel on trains that allow bikes so that I can continue cycling at the other end, instead of resorting to a car. Recently, I have bought a foldable bike which means I can now take my bike on various modes of public transport, eliminating cars altogether.
Using this app has definitely improved my mental and physical health and the points system provides me with the incentive to continue to be active in the future too. I think the fact that we can collect points at the same time is another great positive source of motivation, and I’m sure this has provided many people with the stimulus they need to start being more active. It is great to see so many people doing well on the app, and it spurs me on to become more active. Before this campaign, I liked to stay at home but now I go on daily walks if I am not cycling. When I see the points that have been collected, I feel a sense of achievement, almost as written proof of exercise. This is a fantastic campaign and certainly one to recommend to friends!”
Well done to Jinah, our latest Southwark Star and winner of 25,000 BetterPoints for sharing her story. Want to be like Jinah and 1000s of others across Southwark earning rewards for their sustainable journeys? Scan the QR code below or tap the buttons at the bottom of the page.
