.png){kind=logo}
This summer, Cycle Sisters launched the Switch Your Journey campaign, a two-week challenge aimed at encouraging sisters to switch from their usual modes of transport—be it car or public transport—to cycling.
Whether it was the daily commute, school run, or a quick trip to the shops, the campaign inspired many to explore the possibility of cycling as a practical and sustainable alternative for their regular journeys. To ensure the challenge was accessible, participants were able to use Brompton and Santander bike hire free of charge, so not owning a bike was not a barrier to taking part.
Over two weeks, participants took on the challenge with enthusiasm and dedication. The results were nothing short of amazing:
Over 400 switches were made from car/ public transport to bike
87% of participants (almost 9 out of 10) said they were likely to continue cycling for their daily journeys even after the campaign
The impact of the Switch Your Journey campaign goes beyond numbers. It has touched lives, fostered a sense of community, and inspired long-term lifestyle changes. Below are some stories from the sisters who took part:
Zara expressed pride in the physical challenge, stating, "It was a great way to get people to push themselves to get on a bike and it was a nice physical challenge... It was lovely seeing what I could achieve by dedicating myself to two weeks for this challenge." Several other participants also spoke of the physical and mental health benefits of switching journeys.
A significant number of participants highlighted the practical benefits of switching to cycling, including saving money, as Shankaron shared, "I saved about £100 during this journey...Switch Your Journey is a dream come true for me as it saved me a lot of money and time. My bike became my best friend, I took it everywhere I go.”
Many found joy in the newfound freedom and convenience that cycling brought into their lives. Hanane, who cycled to work for the first time ever, was so moved by the experience that she decided to sell her car.
"Participating in Switch Your Journey has benefited me massively in a way that I never thought was possible. Upon hearing about the challenge via a friend, a keen cyclist herself, I signed up straight away. I was very excited to hear all about it, from the informative online meeting and to seeing inspiring sisters documenting their experiences in the Whatsapp group.”
The sense of community was another recurring theme, with participants like Fadela expressing gratitude for the camaraderie and support they found in the group: "I really loved being part of the community that helped and encouraged me for more cycling and discovering more places and routes in London."
Sara, who finds driving too daunting due to traffic, was surprised at how comfortable she was cycling on the roads. “I rode each one of my journeys by bike on main roads and didn't find it scary at all. I used Brompton for all these main road rides and found it easy to deal with on narrow roads while cars pass by.”
Several participants spoke of the joy of sharing their cycling experiences with their families, turning what were once routine trips into memorable adventures. Umm Samaa switched her usual drive to the park with her daughter to a bike ride: “By persevering for the sake of my daughter I managed to get out and about and ride with her locally. The icing on the cake was when we came home and she said ‘it was the best day ever! I had a lovely time with you mum!’”
Switch Your Journey not only encouraged participants to cycle more but also fostered a deeper connection with their communities, improved their health, and in some cases, even inspired life-long changes.
As Zahra aptly summarised, "Participating in Switch Your Journey has been transformative for me... What I am most proud of is my commitment to a more sustainable lifestyle, reducing my carbon footprint, and inspiring others to consider alternative, eco-friendly modes of transportation."
As we wrap up the Switch Your Journey campaign, we’re inspired by the stories and achievements of our sisters. The campaign may have ended, but the journey is only just beginning.
Thank you to our all of our campaign partners and supporters Foundation for Integrated Transport, Brompton Bicycle, Peddle My Wheels, Transport for London, Love to Ride, Komoot, London Borough of Waltham Forest and London Borough of Hounslow for making this campaign possible and supporting more women to get involved.
Comments