How we achieved the Gwent Active Travel Charter

After nearly four years of effort and collaboration across departments, Newport City Homes is proud to announce that we have achieved the Gwent Active Travel Charter.

On November 6, 2020, 21 leading organisations across Gwent endorsed the Healthy Travel Charter, demonstrating a collective commitment to promoting sustainable travel for colleagues commuting to and from work.

The charter outlines 15 objectives, focusing on walking, cycling, agile working, public transport, and the adoption of ultra-low emission vehicles.

How we met the criteria

We achieved the Charter by:

• Promoting and modelling active and sustainable travel practices
• Encouraging colleagues to consider healthy travel options and their benefits
• Collaborating with partners to explore rail and local transport for colleagues
• Offering the cycle-to-work scheme, including e-bikes
• Installing secure cycle storage and shower facilities at our main sites
• Providing access to bicycles at work, such as pool and hire bikes
• Promoting cycling training and maintenance sessions
• Expanding flexible working options, including remote working, and fostering a culture of agile working
• Reviewing current and future electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure needs
  
  

What's next?

Our journey continues as we week new ways to support both colleagues and customers through our Active and Sustainable Travel initiatives.

As part of these plans we have introduced four folding electric bikes, designed to encourage more active and sustainable commuting. In the first month alone, these bikes covered 71 miles saving nearly 30kg of CO2 emissions compared to traditional vehicles.

Colleagues have used them for commuting from Cardiff and Bristol, attending meetings and visiting development sites.