My Commute.
I recently received this graphic from Duncan Jagger, from Cycling UK, documenting his commute, cycling from his home in Fochabers to Elgin.
(Love his smile ratings!)
Seeing Duncan’s active travel commute inspired me to do the same.
Active Travel: A Healthy Choice for You and the Planet
Making short journeys greener is one of the simplest ways we can look after our health and the environment. Whether it’s cycling, walking, or hopping on the bus, these options are kinder to the planet, better for our wellbeing, and can even save time.
The first thing was getting a map to plan my journey, so I used Moray Council’s active travel route maps as the guide.
I needed to travel from New Elgin to the Cooper Park Library. It’s about 1.7 miles, and I tried four different ways to get there. Here’s what I found:
Cycling
Cycling was the winner for me—just 8 minutes according to Google Maps, but it took me just over 10. I burned around 60 calories, felt energised when I arrived, and avoided any parking fees or emissions. Cycling is fast, fun, and, honestly, the most convenient option for a trip like this.
If you’re tempted to give it a go, check out the Active Travel Hub in Cooper Park, where you can borrow bikes, or have a chat with Outfit Moray who are great for all things cycling.
Driving
The car was convenient, taking about 13 including the walk from the car park. But once I factored in parking fees and emissions, it felt like the least appealing option. It burned barely any calories (about 10) and added to the traffic and pollution—definitely something I’d like to cut down on.
Walking
Walking took about 35, so it’s the slowest option. That said, it was a lovely way to travel if you’ve got the time, burning about 100 calories and let me enjoy the fresh air and clear my head. It’s always nice to slow down now and then!
The Bus
The bus was a mixed bag for me. It took about 21 minutes, including a short walk to and from the stops, which is decent. But here’s the kicker: the cost of a one-way ticket was more than it costs to park my car all day! That doesn’t sit right, especially when we’re trying to encourage people to use public transport. Still, it’s a good option if you’re looking to reduce emissions and don’t want to cycle or walk.
Why It Matters
Choosing active travel—whether it’s cycling, walking, or even using public transport—can make a big difference. You’ll save money, improve your health, and play your part in tackling climate change. Small changes, like swapping a short car journey for a bike ride or a walk, really do add up.
Thanks again to Duncan for sharing his graphic of his commute from Fochabers to Elgin—it’s a great visual reminder of how active travel fits into everyday life. And a big shoutout to Moray Council for their active travel route maps, which make planning these trips so much easier.
Why not give it a try on your next short journey? It might surprise you how rewarding it feels.