About
the Better Journeys Project
A community project leading the way to more sustainable travel across the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and beyond...
We all deserve better journeys
The Better Journeys Project has been set up as a community initiative to help people make a change for the better.
We know that by making small changes in our travelling habits we can make a big difference to our environment, our carbon footprint and our health and wellbeing.
We know that Government has got to be responsible for the 'big picture' changes, but whilst lobbying for those changes our principal aim is to help individuals and organisations drive the change from the bottom up. We want to help them realise that our journeys need not be by car as default, that other options like walking, cycling, taking the bus or sharing a lift, can be better. After all, buying and running a car is a major expense for the less well-off, so less costly alternatives will really help.
We also know, that to allow any community and its economy to grow sustainably, we need less reliance on single occupancy car journeys and less infrastructure that demands space for car parking..
Better Journeys Project
Better Journey Day
We will be setting up and promoting days when, as a community, we can choose another, lower impact way to get around.
The first Friday of every month
Health & Wellbeing Toolkit
We provide materials that will help with “Health & Wellbeing” or “Sports & Social Committees” in” organisations encourage their colleagues to travel more sustainably.
Sustainable Travel Action Plans
We will be campaigning to encourage all Guernsey employers to implement a Sustainable Travel Action Plan. This is a process where an organisation
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gathers data on how it moves its people goods and services; how staff commute to their sites;
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assesses how to make that more sustainable
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develops and implements a plan
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then monitors, reports and celebrates success
Organisations that have Sustainable Active Travel Plans in place will have better insights into their workforce, happier healthier staff and a smaller carbon foootprint.
Meet The Team
Scott Brehaut
Committee Member
"2022 was a life changing year for me. It opened my eyes to the joys of cycling. My wife purchased an e-bike and I got so jealous at how much quicker her journeys were that, in 2023, I purchased a bike myself.
Since then I’ve not looked back, and cycling has become my main mode of transport, and I’ve discovered not only a new love for the outdoors, but I’ve found new areas of Guernsey that I didn’t know existed - and I’ve lived here my whole life!
I’ve been involved with the better journeys project for a while now, as one of a group of volunteers that perform traffic monitoring during the morning commute.
My desire is to help people to not only see the health benefits of changing our way of thinking when it comes to transportation, but also to help people to see that cycling/walking/catching the bus is achievable, and that you can still live an active life with your family!"
Dani Bennett
Committee Member
"I am the director of DNA LTD, a local accounting practice. During lockdown, I developed a keen interest in active and sustainable travel as quieter roads encouraged more walking and cycling.
Recognising the benefits, I played a pivotal role in amending Guernsey's benefit in kind legislation, making it simpler for employers to provide bicycles to their employees.
I am also actively involved with the local Living Streets charity, which prioritises pedestrian safety. I enjoy working collaboratively with other active travel groups on the island, focusing on projects that enhance the safety, access, and affordability of alternative travel options.
Outside of work and active travel campaigning you'll find me enjoying a refreshing sea swim!"
Kate Huntingdon
Committee Member
"Ever since I purchased a cargo bike to transport me and my children (at the time both under 5 years old) I have been awakened to the health, environmental and cost benefits of not being car dependent.
I save approximately £6,000 a year in parking and fuel costs alone by relying on my bike and have grown accustomed to shorter, quicker and more convenient door-to-door journeys.
I now passionately believe in the benefits for all islanders if more of us become less car dependent allowing us to maintain the beauty of our islands and our homes."
Mark Smith
Committee Member
"I'm very conscious that the future we have created for our children and the damage that we have done to the planet needs us to take urgent action and we have a very small window to make a difference. My drive to live a more sustainable life for the benefit of my children, the island community and ultimately the planet led me to join the Better Journey Project. My love of cycling and cars helps me to give balance to a debate, recognising that some car journeys are necessary and indeed enjoyed, but recognises that sometimes there's a better way of undertaking that journey.
Although Guernsey is small and our impact on climate change is minimal we can and should make a difference. The Better Journey project will help each of us to make our Journey's better, travelling more sustainably either by bike, bus, walking or car sharing will reduce traffic queues, free up parking spaces, make you healthier, improve your mental health and ultimately reduce your impact on climate change. I also believe Sustainable commuters shouldn't be seen as "in the way" but should be celebrated for making space on the roads and in our car parks for those of us that have to use our cars."
Barrie Duerden
Committee Member
"When considering the big picture of the Guernsey economy, it’s crystal clear that we face a demographic time-bomb - more islanders retiring and a shrinking pool of labour as a consequence.
The best way to solve the issue - estimated at £85m each year by Government - is to increase tax revenue. This is best done through having more taxpayers, which means more housing. This will increase the load on our transport infrastructure unless islanders think about each journey that they make; and where they can make it more efficient by walking cycling, using on-demand cars and bikes, using public transport or even car-sharing.
This would also have benefits for our physical and mental health and we can actually reduce the number of car parking and increase our green spaces and safe pedestrianised areas. What a great aim to have for not much effort!"
Rollo de Sausmarez
Committee Member
"I am a long time campaigner and champion for more sustainable transport as I believe it is a small change that will drive a big difference.
If we get this right, individuals benefit, society benefits and the environment does too.
I aim to help the committee develop their strategy, and support it with a comms and marketing plan that will cut through and increase awreness of what they're doing and why its the right thing to do.
Heres to better journeys!"