To tackle climate crisis, we’re urged to cut car use and adopt active travel. But would a paddle board spring to mind when considering an alternative commute?
Rachel Reid committed to going car-free for the Active Travel Challenge in June and got back on board her paddle board. Credit: Sustrans
For Rachel Reid, a Senior Civil Engineer with Doran Consulting in Belfast, it did!
After her workplace signed up to take part in the Active Travel Challenge for the month of June, Rachel thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get her board back out on the River Lagan.
Rachel, who lives between Belfast and Lisburn, said: “I’m not sure how sustainable it is as it’s a three-hour trip each way, two hours paddling and walks on either side from my house to the river and from the river to the office. But, as I first tried paddle boarding while on holiday, it immediately puts me in ‘holiday mode’ each time I’m out. I’m not thinking of work or what I have to do when I get there, I’m in a dream world, focused on the board and the river.”
Commitment to not use car for one month
Rachel, who coaches rowing, paddle sports and dragon boating, made the commitment to not use her car to travel any part of her journey to work during June as part of the Active Travel Challenge.
Rachel said: “I travelled by paddle board once a week. I need to get up at 5am and I join the river at the Minnowburn, paddling as far as Shaws Bridge before getting out to carry the board around the Rapids, I wouldn’t go through them on my own. At Stranmillis, I get out again to carry the board around the weir before paddling the rest of my journey to the Gasworks. From here, it’s about a 15 – 20 minute walk to work, carrying the board, so I get a lot of strange looks in the city centre!”
When she’s not on a board, Rachel’s often on her bike, cycling into Belfast via the Lagan Towpath, part of the National Cycle Network route 9.
Started in 2015, we run the Active Travel Challenge annually along with partners Translink, the Department for Infrastructure, the Public Health Agency, Belfast Trust and Belfast City Council.
Roger Knipe, Technical Director at Doran Consulting, also heads up the company’s Sustainability Group. He first became aware of the Active Travel Challenge a couple of months ago and signed up straightaway.
The firm’s Great Victoria Street offices have shower facilities and secure bicycle storage for staff, making an active commute both more appealing and practical. They also are part of the Cycle to Work Scheme which, Roger said, is ‘well used’.
Workplace facilitates active travel journeys
Roger said: “I’ve always enjoyed cycling to work, mainly because it’s quicker and cheaper. I live a bit further out of Belfast now than I used to, so I take the car because I have to do the school run too.
"However, since I started the Active Travel Challenge, I’ve been leaving the car at the school and cycling in the four miles from there
“I find I arrive at work more awake and, even though cycling through traffic can be hairy at times, I also feel more relaxed.”
'ATC encouraged us back on our bikes'
Rachel agreed: “The Active Travel Challenge has really encouraged me to get back on my bike. I like any kind of challenge and a bit of competition!”
Both Roger and Rachel hope to continue their active travel efforts beyond June.
Rachel added: “Sustainability is good for everybody, it’s a better way to travel if you can, although it doesn’t work for everyone. It’s a great way to exercise.”
Roger Knipe, head of the sustainability group at Doran Consulting in Belfast, says signing up to the Active Travel Challenge has encouraged him to return to cycling to work. Credit: Roger Knipe
Dianne Whyte, Workplace Active Travel Officer, said paddle boarding brought a whole new dimension to this year’s Active Travel Challenge.
She said: “The Active Travel Challenge dashboard at atc.getmeactive.org.uk gives participants a range of options when choosing their mode of transport but this is the first time we’ve been asked to add ‘paddle board’ to it!
“I applaud Rachel for taking such an enthusiastic and innovative approach to the Challenge and congratulate Doran Consulting for making active travel feasible for its staff.
“It’s great to hear of such a supportive company signing up to the Challenge. This year, we have over 1400 people registered, our biggest number ever, which is saving thousands of kilograms of carbon as well as thousands of pounds.
“We can’t wait to find out the final figures when the Challenge finishes, but we hope taking part has sown a seed for many more people to consider active travel or public transport for some or all of their journeys when possible.”
The findings from the 2024 Active Travel Challenge will be published in September.
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