East Riding residents can earn vouchers or help charities as they walk or ride

A new rewards app launched in the East Riding encourages people to walk, cycle or take public transport – in return for shopping vouchers or charity donations.

An app called BetterPoints has been commissioned by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to reward residents for leaving their cars at home and instead travel more sustainably by walking, cycling, or taking the bus or train.

Anyone who lives, works or studies in the East Riding can download the app and start earning points.

People can earn points every time they walk, cycle or take public transport locally. Collect them and redeem them for vouchers to spend at local businesses, high street shops and internet stores including Costa, Tesco and Amazon.

Or use your points to donate to a list of charities, including Marie Curie, the RNLI or Dogs Trust, as well as local charities such as WISHH and the Health Tree Foundation.

BetterPoints is a national scheme which has been commissioned by the council for residents in this area.

The aim is to encourage people to become more active and use healthier choices of travel, such as walking or cycling.

By doing so – or by taking public transport – they are also helping the environment by cutting down on carbon.

Councillor Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “This is a fantastic scheme where people can earn vouchers or support charities just by walking, riding bikes, or using buses and trains.

“It’s such a simple idea and we hope it will inspire people to choose more active and greener ways of getting about.”

For more information, visit eastriding.betterpoints.uk

Download the BetterPoints app from your regular app store.