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Guernsey employers encouraged to help staff ditch cars

Guernsey employers encouraged to help staff ditch cars

BBC News11 hours ago
An active travel group in Guernsey is encouraging employers to find ways for their staff to ditch the car and walk, cycle or bus to work. The Better Journey's project, which is a charity, has released a leaflet that explains how employers can gain bus pass support, encourage walking to work and purchase bicycles. It follows a change in tax laws that allows employers to subsidise the cost of bike purchases for employees without it counting as a taxable benefit.Dani Bennett from the group said the initial response from employers had been "extremely encouraging."
The leaflet was created alongside the island's Health Improvement Commission and Admiral Park Plaza.The Better Journeys Project said it offered something for "every employer, large or small, public or private".
"We've had really positive feedback so far, especially about the table that breaks down all of the options," said Ms Bennett. "It clearly shows whether an option is taxable, whether it requires any payroll admin, who pays for repairs, and so on. "That's made it very easy for employers to see what would work best in their own setting."The leaflet is available at local local bike shops, GP surgeries, and at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre. A digital version can be downloaded from the Better Journeys Project website.
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Guernsey employers encouraged to help staff ditch cars
Guernsey employers encouraged to help staff ditch cars

BBC News

time11 hours ago

  • BBC News

Guernsey employers encouraged to help staff ditch cars

An active travel group in Guernsey is encouraging employers to find ways for their staff to ditch the car and walk, cycle or bus to work. The Better Journey's project, which is a charity, has released a leaflet that explains how employers can gain bus pass support, encourage walking to work and purchase bicycles. It follows a change in tax laws that allows employers to subsidise the cost of bike purchases for employees without it counting as a taxable Bennett from the group said the initial response from employers had been "extremely encouraging." The leaflet was created alongside the island's Health Improvement Commission and Admiral Park Better Journeys Project said it offered something for "every employer, large or small, public or private". "We've had really positive feedback so far, especially about the table that breaks down all of the options," said Ms Bennett. "It clearly shows whether an option is taxable, whether it requires any payroll admin, who pays for repairs, and so on. "That's made it very easy for employers to see what would work best in their own setting."The leaflet is available at local local bike shops, GP surgeries, and at Beau Sejour Leisure Centre. A digital version can be downloaded from the Better Journeys Project website.

Eight of the best cycling destinations around the world
Eight of the best cycling destinations around the world

The Independent

time17 hours ago

  • The Independent

Eight of the best cycling destinations around the world

As the 2025 Tour de France comes to an end, you may have been inspired to get on two wheels yourself. Maybe you might even be considering your next cycling trip? When it comes to exploring and really getting to know a destination, doing it on a bike is an excellent to truly immerse yourself. And the best thing? You can decide your limit and can make your trip as relaxing or as hardcore as you like. Independent Travel has been writing about cycling trips for years and our writers have pedalled their way through everywhere from Tokyo and Transylvania to the French Alps and Los Angeles beaches. So, whether you're looking for a gentle meander through the UK countryside or throwing on some lycra to work up a sweat taking on a thousand-foot peak, we've rounded up some of the most dynamic routes to pedal your way through. France Journalist and cycling enthusiast Paddy Maddison loves the French Alps and would argue that the gruelling Alpe d'Huez climb, with 21 hair pin bends soaring 1,860 metres into the sky, is a worthy challenge any biker can take on. After a trip last year, he wrote: 'Over the years, the winding mountain pass leading up to the [Alpe d'Huez] resort has served as a backdrop for some of the most memorable moments in pro-cycling history … To cyclists, it's a sporting landmark akin to Silverstone or Wembley. The key difference is that anyone can come and pit themselves against the iconic 21 hairpin bends. And I mean anyone…' Begin your ascent in the town of Le Bourg d'Oisans and make your way up to the resort, stopping at the many cafes and cultural sights along the way. Journalist Chrissie McClatchie also loves France as a cycling destination – but as well as pedalling up a peak, she recommends biking across the picturesque promenades of Nice. She writes: 'Thanks to the region's mountains-meets-sea terrain, the Côte d'Azur is a cycling paradise.' Among the city's 125km of cycling lanes, she suggests cycling along the Promenade des Anglais, 'the city's emblematic waterfront boulevard that sweeps from Nice Côte d'Azur airport to Vieux Nice'. Cycling along the 22km coastal route that connects Nice to neighbouring Antibes is also a great introduction to biking across the vibrant city, she says. Romania If unearthed trails and rugged landscapes are more your thing then biking across the Romanian countryside could be for you. Damien Gabet recommends the newly opened Via Transilvanica route, which takes in Transylvania and all its folkloric villages. He says: 'Dubbed 'The Camino of the East', the Via Transilvanica is a tethering of ancient trade and transhumance trails that now stretches 1,400km across the country. Beginning in northerly Bucovina, near the Ukrainian border, it scribbles at a slant over Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains, ending at a village in spitting distance of Serbia.' Salzburg's lake district For a more traditional European vibe, Zoe Griffin recommends visiting Salzburg and the surrounding area. The Austrian city, known around the world as the location of The Sound of Music, has many sites to offer. She writes: 'Situated to the east of Salzburg, the Austrian Lake District is perfect for exploration on two wheels. The majestic mountain scenery is reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the deep lakes and, as you cycle along the lakeside roads and designated cycle paths, you can stop to explore the many welcoming villages. 'This wonderful route takes in dramatic Alpine scenery, running past several of Austria's most spectacular lakes, and finishes with a visit to Hallstatt, the jewel of the region, and a Unesco world heritage site. Wherever possible, the routes follow designated cycle tracks so you can enjoy the fabulous countryside while marvelling at the grandeur of the mountains and the truly outstanding views.' Land's end to John o' Groats If crossing the pond isn't your thing, then Britain has no shortage of scenic cycle routes, and if you also happen to have a spare three weeks, then the LEJOG (Land's End to John o' Groats) path could be for you. Griffin writes: 'Leaving the Cornish coast, the 1,000-mile route passes through the wilds of Dartmoor, before crossing the River Severn into Wales. Riding further north, you'll skim the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, over the border into the dramatic scenery of Scotland, through Edinburgh and then up past Inverness to finally arrive at John O'Groats.' Tokyo, Japan If your travels have taken you to Tokyo, then exploring the city on your bike is the perfect way to escape the chaos and crowds. On a trip to the Japanese capital earlier this year, global travel editor Annabel Grossman explored Shimokitazawa and Meguro on two wheels, experiencing another of side of the city free from the tourists. She ended her cycle tour in Hanegi Forest in Setagaya off the beaten path. She wrote that the site is a 'striking symbol of how nature can be nurtured in even the most bustling metropolis, and – like the bike tour itself – the perfect example of why there's so much more to Japan's capital city than bright lights and skyscrapers'. Taiwan Writer Jeanine Barone cycled her way across Taiwan, a country with an abundance of scenic cycle routes. She writes: 'Numerous scenic bike paths course through bucolic green spaces, both in Taipei and further afield. Don't miss Sun Moon Lake, a magical spot set in the mountainous, foliage-cloaked terrain of central Taiwan. The Xiangshang-Yuetan Bikeway, which mostly skirts the lakefront, is best pedalled in the early morning when mist still hangs over the calm waters and the air is alive with dragonflies.' Los Angeles, USA If you're in LA, then cycling is a great way to make the most of this bustling metropolis, says Kinza Shenn. Well-travelled routes such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica offer a mix of 'chic, indie gems', 'great eats' and 'ramshackle local institutions'. Shenn also recommends the 'stretch of Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park'. The area is 'sometimes likened to a mini, west-coastified Brooklyn. All three are less touristy spots with plenty to do, see and eat, and also neighbour Griffith Park for more hikes and views. The south side of Griffith grants you the Hollywood sign and observatory.'

Charming English town is getting new £42million train station that will reopen key link shut for over 60 years
Charming English town is getting new £42million train station that will reopen key link shut for over 60 years

The Sun

timea day ago

  • The Sun

Charming English town is getting new £42million train station that will reopen key link shut for over 60 years

A RURAL English town has been given the green light for a new £42million train station that will reopen a vital link. After more than 60 years without a railway station, Cullompton has been granted funding by the Department of Transport and HM Treasury. 2 2 The announcement is set to turbo-charge the economy of the Devon town and provide desperately needed transport links for locals and visitors. The funding will also help to support plans for a new station in Wellington. Cullompton station first opened in 1844 and closed in 1964. The reopening will be key to enabling the Culm Garden Village development, which will create around 5,000 homes. The new station will also be next to the motorway services at Junction 28 of the M5. Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: 'Further investment in rail infrastructure in Devon is always welcome and this railway station for Cullompton is key to the town's economic growth and will help reduce carbon emissions in the county. "People need improved public transport options if they're going to be encouraged to change their travel habits. "Hopefully Cullompton could follow the success of Okehampton Station and the re-opening of the Dartmoor Line, which is a great example of what can be achieved given the necessary funding from government.' In April, a delegation of 30 people from the region travelled to London to hand-deliver powerful letters of support to rail minister Lord Hendy. Backed by a cross-party group of South West MPs and Wellington Town Council, the letters stressed how restoring rail links to both Okehampton and nearby Wellington could unlock major economic, social and environmental benefits. Lord Hendy said: 'The stations would contribute to sustainable development, connecting new residential areas with regional employment, education and healthcare opportunities. "The case for taking a combined approach presents significantly higher value for money compared with a stand-alone project in either area.' He added: 'Reopening Cullompton and Wellington stations would be a strategic investment aligning with the Government's goals to drive economic growth, reduce environmental impact and improve social mobility.' Economic growth Gideon Amos, who also backed the scheme, said: 'For the cost of around £42 million, £180 million of economic growth would go into the region — which I know the Government would want to see. 'Frankly, there is no other rail project in the south-west that is ready to go and could be built and completed in the next two years, as the project is so far advanced. 'In fact, had it not been for the review in July last year, the spades would be in the ground and the platforms under construction, because the contract was about to be let and the detailed design was almost finished.' And Labour MP Simon Lightwood added in the Commons: 'The strategic objectives are clear. "Enhancing public transport connectivity will support growth and productivity in Exeter, Taunton and Bridgwater, while also reducing road congestion, car dependency and carbon emissions. ' He continued: 'The stations would contribute to sustainable development, connecting new residential areas with regional employment, education and healthcare opportunities." This comes as satellite images of a new £15million train station at Okehampton were revealed. The station, which will be the newest addition to the Dartmoor Line, connecting West Devon, Torridge and North Cornwall with Exeter and beyond, will also benefit education and leisure services in the region. GWR Regional Growth Manager David Whiteway said the project would provide "valuable support for the community and local economies". Satellite images show the rapid development of the £15million scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Transport with contributions from Devon County Council and West Devon Borough Council. Since work began in January, major progress has been made to create the new station on the edge of Okehampton, two minutes from the A30. In March, 300 metres of the single-line track was moved 90cm north to allow a new platform to be built alongside it.

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