Transport

TRANSPORT

Climate Durham is actively working to change the way we prioritise modes of transport. We have a transport group (which you are welcome to join) which is working alongside travel partners such as the County Council and Durham University to investigate alternatives to the private car.

The re-launch of Do it Different in Durham on Thursday 4 June was the beginning of a regular Green Travel Day which we will be promoting every first Thursday of the month. We are also working to promote cycle and walking routes around Durham City and have launched a car-share scheme in the Claypath ward; if you are interested in such a scheme, then get in touch and we can give you more information.

WALKING

The benefits of walking to work or school cannot be underestimated. About 50% of children no longer walk to school regularly; this trend inevitably contributes to obesity, congestion and air pollution. The Living Streets campaign aims to reclaim our streets for walkers, stopping the car from being the dominant operator. The Northumbria Branch of Living Streets meets monthly and has recently been awarded 'Best Branch' at the annual Living Streets Awards ceremony.

If you need help planning a walking route, click here

Try leaving your car at home one day a week or if you can't manage that, try once a month on Green Travel Day (first Thursday of the month). Durham County Council offers personal, workplace and school Travel Plans or call 383 3086

CYCLING

At first glance, Durham may not seem a cycle-friendly city. However, Durham has several cycle routes which link the outlying residential areas to the city centre and other areas with large employers.

National Cycle Network Route 14 links Belmont and parts of Gilesgate to the city centre via Old Durham. Newton Hall is well served with two routes; one leads to County Hall and the Aykley Heads Estate, and the other the city centre via the Penny Ferry Bridge. The old railway lines link Crook, Willington, Langley Moor

and Meadowfield to the City, whilst another route links Lanchester and Langley Park. For more information about cycle routes in Durham visit the Durham County Council's Transport and Streets web pages. Also see Sustrans for other routes.

Perhaps you’ve not ridden your bike for several years. There are good cycle repair shops in and around Durham. Try Cycle Force at 87 Claypath, Durham, 0191 384 0319 or Dave Heron Cycles

Get help buying a bike

Many workplaces now offer tax- and interest-free loans to help you buy a bike and commute the green way. Ask your boss about the Cycle to Work scheme

DRIVING

In terms of your carbon footprint, car usage will account for a considerable chunk of it. If you have to drive, here is how to reduce your emissions:

Drive more slowly, avoid unnecessary acceleration or braking.
Remove unnecessary clutter from the boot. of your car.
Take off the roof box if you’re not using it
Make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure.
Car-share whenever possible.
When replacing your car, buy a smaller, more fuel efficient one.

Climate Durham is developing its own lift-share scheme for out of town shopping, which you might like to get involved with. Find out more

Give up your car altogether and join the North East car club Option C. There are huge benefits – to the environment and your pocket.

If you need to make regular journeys out of Durham, why not register with liftshare.com. This is the largest liftshare site in the UK, with 300,000 people signed up. It's free and very easy to use.

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