The Proclaimers pledged to walk 500 miles (then 500 more) ... if they had used the BetterPoints active travel app in East Dunbartonshire then they could have joined more than 500 locals racking up rewards on the go!
The free app encourages people to walk, wheel, cycle, run and use public transport. Participants earn points which can be spent at participating local businesses, redeemed for vouchers at major retailers and hospitality venues or donated to charity.
Gavin’s Mill in Milngavie – which is a Fair Trade shop, café and registered charity – is one of the participating local enterprises. Its volunteers also use the app regularly.
Dr Sue Milne, Chair of Gavin's Mill Community Project, said, “We’re delighted to be part of the BetterPoints East Dunbartonshire challenge. If you’re out and about, why not pop into the Mill and help to support our important work? We’d be delighted if you donate your points to raise much-needed funds for our charity, Gavin’s Mill Community Project.”
There are now over 500 registered local users on the app – which helps to promote health and wellbeing, active travel and efforts to tackle climate change. Whether you’re a resident or business, why not join the team? Get the app and turn miles into smiles.
For residents, signing up is easy – download the BetterPoints app for free to a smartphone or tablet from your app store and register with a local postcode to join the BetterPoints East Dunbartonshire challenge. Journeys are detected through the app – so once a user starts moving, activity is automatically recorded.
You can get bonus points if you travel sustainably into Bearsden, Bishopbriggs, Kirkintilloch or Milngavie town centres.
As part of BetterPoints' Shop Local campaign, each day until 8 December, there are daily prize draws with a total of over £200 in East Dunbartonshire Gift Cards up for grabs. Visit Shop Local 2024 on the BetterPoints website.
For businesses and service providers, signing up is also easy – and there’s no cost, reward vouchers are paid for by BetterPoints – get in touch via the BetterPoints sign up as a trader page.
It’s a way to reach new customers, boost business, be featured on the app, and to promote local sustainability and good health.
For Android users, visit the Google Play store.
For Apple users, visit the Apple store.
For more information, visit the BetterPoints website.
For FAQs, visit the BetterPoints Frequently Asked Questions
If you live outside the area, but work in East Dunbartonshire, you can sign up for the local challenge using a code – email customercare@betterpoints.uk for more information.
BetterPoints East Dunbartonshire is a project delivered by the Council through support from Paths for All’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places fund.
The app uses GPS (Global Positioning System) to work out an accurate distance travelled and method of travel (which can be amended manually on the day if necessary). All data collected is aggregated and anonymised, and will not be shared with anyone else, including partners.
Please note, to use the app and accrue points, you need to be aged 14 or over due to online privacy legislation. The app is only available for smartphones and tablets.
