BetterPoints joins the INFUZE journey to decarbonising Leeds

The INFUZE project takes a community co-design approach to offer alternatives to private car ownership and BetterPoints is delighted to join the mission.

Led by the University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies, the study brings together other research and expert partners in mobility, low carbon transport, inclusion, and behaviour change.

Over a five year plan and with a £7.8 million fund supporting the endeavour, the project aims to work with 400 households in Leeds to co-design a new way of approaching travel. Engaging with sustainable and active travel options could cut the need for the financial and environmental ties that come with owning a car.

“INFUZE is really interested in how we create positive alternatives to private car ownership. Understanding the role of collective actions and rewarding behaviours could be really important to this and so BetterPoints’ experience will be really important to the project.”

Professor Greg Marsden, Institute for Transport Studies

BetterPoints knows that to reduce carbon emissions from cars in the UK, there are other options available to people, that not only purchasing an electric vehicle will accomplish. By incentivising and promoting sustainable changes for individuals and families, an increase in public transport use can be seen.

For example, a recent programme with Sheffield Council resulted in 830,000+ car journeys replaced by sustainable travel modes.

Swapping the car for walking or wheeling on short journeys means a physical and mental boost as well as an environmental one in reducing carbon emissions. Planning ahead with public transport and car clubs can go a long way to reducing the reliance on owning a car.

As most cars are infrequently used, tending to be on the move for only 4% of the day, and billions of journeys completed with empty seats, it’s time for a rethink. Making active travel a more attractive and realistic alternative to communities is an important part of the jigsaw.

Listening to people, understanding the barriers, and showing where the changes can be made could see Leeds out of the car and moving on for better community and environmental outcomes.

Quote from Hannah Byk, Partnerships Manager at BetterPoints.

“BetterPoints can’t wait to support Leeds communities in this new approach to private car ownership”

For more detail on the study please visit the INFUZE website to see the plans and follow the journey with partners and the participating communities.