The Better Journeys Project is launching Better Journeys Week across Guernsey and Jersey from 19 –23 May, this year sponsored by local law firm Appleby.
Originally launched in Jersey as Alternative Transport Week in 2022, this annual event challenges island organisations to encourage more sustainable travel options for the week. This includes closing car parks, encouraging and incentivising cycling and walking, and hopefully forming better travel habits in the process.
The week challenges residents, schools, charities and businesses in both islands to try smarter ways to travel, including car sharing, buses, cycling or walking to work and school.
Each year, organisers highlight different modes of travel through social media. In previous years, islanders have replaced the car with a swim, paddle board or even ‘a scoot’ to work.
Rollo de Sausmarez, Director of The Better Journeys Project in Guernsey, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Jersey this year and grateful to Appleby for its support. A change in travel habits, even just for one week, benefits everyone. Healthier people, a cleaner environment and less congested roads are just some of the positive outcomes for our communities and we can’t wait to get started.”
Following feedback from local businesses in Guernsey last year, the focus of this week has shifted from ‘alternative’ transport to showing how a better way to travel benefits everyone.
Kate Huntington, Director of The Better Journeys Project in Jersey, added: “This is the first time our islands are uniting under one banner to effect meaningful reductions in carbon emissions and address traffic congestion in key areas. Combining the two initiatives means we can increase our efforts throughout the year with the Better Journeys monthly challenges.
“We’re excited to see it come together and evaluate the data collected after the week from both islands.”
James Gaudin, Jersey Managing Partner for Appleby, said: “Appleby Jersey has sponsored Jersey’s Alternative Transport Week for many years and I’m delighted that our participation will be even bigger and better this year now that we have taken the step to be part of the Channel Island-wide Better Journeys Project.
“Sustainable travel already plays a big part in many Appleby colleagues’ daily commutes. We have keen cyclists, myself included, as well as walkers and bus users travelling to and from our office in the centre of town. One colleague has even been known to paddle board to work!
“We’re proud to take on the BJP mantle for the Jersey leg and encourage all islanders to think about how they travel for this week in May – and also beyond! Together we can make a difference to our environment and also better our own health and fitness.”
Pictured: Left to right – Kate Huntington (Director of Better Journeys Project in Jersey) and James Gaudin (Jersey Manging Partner at Appleby).
