Content Index – FAQs – The Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge

FAQs

Here you will find answers to common questions about the challenge. Still having trouble? You can get in touch with us here: workplaces.scot@sustrans.org.uk

What is the Challenge?

The aim of the Challenge is to get as many people as possible commuting to and from work by walking, cycling, using public transport and lift-sharing. Its great fun and we'll be giving out loads of prizes along the way. You can compete on your own or as part of a Workplace team. All you have to do is register and then start logging your journeys to get on the leaderboard.

How do I edit my profile?

Just go to your profile page and then scroll down to the bottom. You'll see your contact details and an 'edit details' button (no-one else will be able to see this and you'll need to be logged in for it to work). Click on this and you'll be able to edit your contact details.

If you need to edit any of your journeys just click on the 'view journeys' button which you'll find under the journey totals of your profile.

How do I join a team?

If you registered but didn't click the 'join team' button then you'll need to edit your profile and try to join the team again. Just go to your profile page and then scroll down to the bottom. You'll see your contact details and an 'edit details' button. Click on this and you'll be able to select your workplace team to join.

How do I change my team?

Just go to your profile page and then scroll down to the bottom. You'll see your contact details and an 'edit details' button (no-one else will be able to see this and you'll need to be logged in for it to work). Click on this and you'll be able to select a different team to join and edit your contact details.

How do I amend my team profile?

If you set up the team originally you will have admin rights for the team profile page.

Information for Team Administrators can be found under 'more info' in then menu bar.

How do I find out who my team administrator is?

Scroll to the bottom of your team profile page and you'll see the name of your team administrator.

Can we keep an eye on our competitors?

Yes you can. We call this the 'Nemesis Challenge'. You'll need your team administrator to set this up for you but it is very straight forward.

1. Get your team administrator to log-in.
2. Get them to go the profile page of the team you want to 'watch'.
3. Just underneath the team name they'll see a 'Watch this team' button.
4. Click the button.

Now go back to your own team profile and you'll see a section showing the teams you are watching. You'll see how they are doing and how far ahead or behind them you are.

What counts as a "journey"?

The Challenge includes sustainable travel modes that are available in your area. You can find a full list of travel modes on the home page. A journey can be counted if it is to work, from work and during work hours. This includes journeys to/from work via the gym, shops etc.

If your travel mode is not listed on the home page, get in touch and we can add it for you.

How do I log that I have worked from home?

If you work from home, you can still record this as a "journey" during the challenge. Record the distance as the distance you would have travelled if you had travelled into your place of work. If home is your usual place of work, log a journey as the minimum distance allowed.

It's too far for me to walk or cycle to work!

You may be surprised how far you can comfortably cycle. Commutes of five miles or more are perfectly manageable, even for relatively inexperienced cyclists. If the trip still seems daunting, why not compromise by walking or cycling to a bus stop or train station? This is a great way of incorporating some active travel into your daily commute.

Does a short walk or cycle ride really make any difference?

Making just one short journey on foot or by bike can save around 2kg of carbon compared to driving. There are also significant health benefits if journeys are made regularly.

I don't have a bike, but would like to get one that suits me

There are a whole range of bikes to suit every need - the trick is to match your bike to the regular journey you want to make. Some employers offer the Cycle to Work Scheme as a way of enabling employees to access new bikes at a discounted rate and paid for in instalments.

What type of bike should I buy?

Road bikes are fast and light, but new riders can sometimes find the seating position restrictive. A mountain bike may be sturdier and has a more sit-up-and-beg riding position, but be sure to put on slick tyres if you're riding on the road! A hybrid is a compromise between the two - a lightweight frame but an upright riding position. Folding bikes are increasingly popular, and modern versions are comfortable and efficient. At the other end of the scale, electrically assisted bikes take the effort out of even the longest commuting trips.

What do I need to wear for cycling?

Wear whatever you want, as long as you're comfortable. Contrary to popular belief, head to toe lycra is not a requirement for travelling by bike.

Do I have to be part of a team to take part?

No. You can take part as an individual, or part of a workplace team or department.

If the Challenge has already started. Can I still join?

Absolutely! You can sign up at any point during the challenge.

How are the carbon, calorie and cost savings calculated?

Carbon calculations are based on data from the Defra document - 2010 Guidelines to Defra / DECC's GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting: Methodology Paper for Emission Factors, and use approximate figures based on the average car.

Calorie savings are based on NHS figures for average walking and cycling activity. Cost calculations are based on AA data regarding the cost of running a car, and use approximate figures based on the average car.

What will you do with the results?

None of your personal data will be shared with anyone other than the Transport Scotland team and Sustrans. Overall results will be used to demonstrate the impacts of the challenge, to inform future initiatives and to promote the benefits of more active travel.

I would like a bespoke challenge for my organisation.

We can offer a more bespoke challenge - please contact workplaces.scot@sustrans.org.uk to discuss your needs.

Why are electric vehicles not included as a category?

In this particular challenge we are focusing on reducing the level of single occupancy car trips. While it's great that electric vehicles reduce emissions, they don't have the benefits to health and congestion that other forms of sustainable travel do. Car-sharing or the bus for example would benefit both emission levels and congestion. If you are using your electric car as a car share please log these journeys.