make your local journey easier, healthier & greener

For local journeys there are a range of alternatives to travelling by car. Choosing to walk, cycle or use public transport, where practical, can support healthier lifestyles, reduce carbon emissions and contribute to improved air quality and a more sustainable local transport network.

Making greater use of sustainable and active travel options can also help reduce congestion and provide an affordable alternative.

The next time you’re making a local journey in Harpenden or the surrounding area, why not leave the car at home and choose a healthier, greener way to travel?

Cycling

Cycling can be a quick, convenient and enjoyable way to get around Harpenden. It’s particularly useful for journeys that are a little too far to walk, but don’t necessarily require a car.

During busy periods, cycling can also be quicker than driving, while offering a range of benefits for you and the wider community.

Why cycle?

• Support your mental wellbeing: Outdoor exercise can boost your mood and help reduce stress and anxiety.
• Improve your physical health: Regular cycling can help maintain fitness and reduce the risk of conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
• Help improve local air quality: Cycling produces no direct emissions, helping to reduce air and noise pollution.
• Reduce your carbon footprint: Research suggests that replacing just one daily car journey with cycling could reduce an individual's transport-related carbon emissions by up to 67%. Read the research here.
• Save money: Cycling can help you cut the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance and parking.

How far can you cycle?

Some local journeys can be surprisingly quick by bike. For example:

Church Green to Southdown - 0.9 miles, approximately 5 minutes

Batford Springs Nature Reserve to Harpenden Common - 1.6 miles, approximately 10 minutes

The Harpenden Green Loop is a 15km circular loop which can be used by cyclists either in its entirety or just in sections. The Loop can be joined at several points along the way, and you can find maps and more information about it here.

Walking

Walking is one of the simplest ways to build more physical activity into your everyday life. Even incorporating regular short walks into your day can have significant benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing, while also helping to create a cleaner and healthier local environment.

Whether you’re walking to the shops, school, the station, work or simply meeting friends, choosing to walk can make a real difference.

Why walk?

• Support your heart health: Regular moderate activity, such as brisk walking, can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Find out more about walking for health on the NHS website.
• Boost your wellbeing: Walking can improve mood, reduce stress and support positive mental health.
• Strengthen your body: Walking is a low-impact activity that can help strengthen your bones and muscles while supporting joint health.
• Connect with others: Walking with friends, family or neighbours is a great way to spend time together and build connections.
• Improve local air quality: Choosing to walk instead of drive helps reduce vehicle emissions and contributes to cleaner air for everyone.

How far can you walk?

You may be closer to your destination than you think:

Harpenden Train Station to Rothamsted Park - 0.5 miles, approximately 11 minutes, around 1,125 steps

Harpenden War Memorial to Wood End Playground - 1.5 miles, approximately 34 minutes, around 3,375 steps

The Harpenden Green Loop is also suitable for walkers, with a half loop route taking in the town centre. Maps showing both the half and full 15km route can be found here.

Taking the bus

For journeys further afield, or for those unable to walk or cycle, the bus can provide a convenient alternative to driving. Harpenden is well served by local bus services, with several routes connecting the town to surrounding villages and communities.

Wheathampstead is around a 16-minute bus journey from Harpenden, while buses also connect Harpenden with Redbourn several times a day. You can find timetables for local bus routes at Intalink.

Why take the bus?

• Help reduce emissions: Fewer individual car journeys can mean lower emissions, less congestion and improved local air quality.
• Take the stress out of driving: Use your journey to relax, read or enjoy the scenery rather than concentrating on the road.
• Connect with your community: Public transport provides opportunities to meet and interact with other people and can help reduce social isolation.
• Save money: For many journeys, taking the bus can cost less than running and maintaining a car.
• Build activity into your day: Walking to and from the bus stop is an easy way to add more movement to your everyday routine.

Make your next journey a little different

You don’t have to give up your car completely. Simply choosing to walk, cycle or take the bus for some of your local journeys can make a positive difference.

Not every journey can be made without a car, and individual travel needs will vary. However, next time you’re heading out, ask yourself: could I walk it, cycle it or take the bus instead?

Make every local journey easier, healthier and greener.