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Campaigners are encouraging travellers to beat traffic jams and get healthier at the same time.
The year has begun with roadworks on main routes including La Charroterie, Le Grand Bouet and the Rohais.
Monitoring has shown that commuters' travel habits are entrenched, something that the Better Journeys Project and Guernsey Bicycle Group are keen to shift.
The Project promotes Better Journeys Day on the first Friday of each month.
“If you want to improve your health and are able, then it is really effective to substitute some journeys for a walk, jog, run or riding a regular or electric bike,” said Committee member Richard Agnelli.
“This can be particularly efficient during the rush hour commute when congestion is at its worst. Engaging in Better Journey Day will help you form the habit of thinking about your journey in advance and taking a more healthy option which will also improve your mental health, reduce congestion for others who need to drive and do your bit in reducing your carbon footprint to combat the global climate emergency."
Pictured: Guernsey Bicycle Group and Better Journeys are encouraging people to beat traffic jams by using their bikes or walking.
Roadworks in the Charotterie last until Monday 23 January, Pleinheume Road is affected for five weeks and Le Grand Bouet will be closed between First Tower Lane and Rue du Chateau from Monday 9 to Saturday 21 January.
All of these are open to pedestrians and cyclists, who only need to dismount past the actual works.
A section of the Rohais is one way up until Wednesday 11 January.
Pictured: The latest map of roadworks in Guernsey.
Ben Craddock of the Guernsey Bicycle Group, said: “If you normally commute down Le Val Des Terres, Queens Road or La Charotterie, then cycling, walking, jogging or running via La Charotterie will be far nicer than usual as there will be virtually no vehicles going that way for the next three weeks. What a great way to ‘Beat the Jam’”.
Mark Smith, a Committee member of BJP, has stressed that this is not an anti-car message.
“Those who need to use cars, such as commercial firms, public services, emergency services, young families and those with mobility challenges have no option but to deal with the inevitable increase in congestion and journey times when roads are closed. However, the more islanders outside those groups that make the choice to travel sustainably, including car sharing, are helping to ease congestion for those that need to drive.”
Pictured: A cyclist in La Charotterie which is closed to cars.
Another Committee member, Barrie Duerden, said: “From our extensive traffic monitoring, we know that commuting habits are very entrenched with no rise in cycling or walking compared to car use between Spring, Summer and Autumn and while volumes drop in school holidays there is no change in the mix between cars, bikes and pedestrians either. Commuters simply stick to their habits. If you are looking for a New Year Resolution that involves improving your physical health and walking, jogging, running or cycling are open to you this would be a great time to engage with Better Journey Day.”
More details about the day can be found at www.betterjourneys.gg.
More information about the latest roadworks is available at roadworks.gov.gg
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