BetterPoints East Dunbartonshire allows everyone who lives, works or studies in East Dunbartonshire to earn rewards and win prizes for walking, running, cycling and using public transport. One such prize is the Leave the Car Star. Ewan was chosen as our latest winner and received 25,000 BetterPoints (£25) for sharing his story. For your chance to win, download the app via the App Store or Google Play or by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page.
Based in Bishopbriggs, he balances a busy freelance career in TV production with his love of reading, film, and now, once again running and cycling. Here's what he had to say:
“I live in Bishopbriggs. I’m a freelance TV producer, love reading, strangely enough I watch a fair amount of TV and films too. I started running regularly again this year to get fitter, and I try to cycle to work when I can.”
He first discovered the BetterPoints App online and decided to give the campaign a go.
“I read about BetterPoints online, and found out about the campaign that way.”
Since joining, he’s made a conscious change to how he travels during the week.
“I try to cycle to work and back at least three days a week usually.”
His switch to two wheels has opened up new ways of experiencing his local area.
“The canal path is great for walking, running and cycling. It feels so calm by the water if you can go that way and it’s a great place to observe the different seasons and wildlife.”
For Ewan, cycling is more than just transport, it’s a way to build activity into a job that often keeps him sitting down.
“I’ve tried to do more exercise this year as my job can involve a lot of sitting down. So, cycling at least bookends the day with some activity.”
The benefits have been noticeable, both physically and mentally.
“It helps me stay fit, helps me switch off on the way home and sometimes even have ideas for work when I am cycling, it helps me think.”
When asked what he’s enjoyed most about being part of the campaign, his answer was simple but powerful.
“Life is busy, but when you’re on the bike you can’t do anything else, you just get to focus on that and the surroundings, it’s very good for mental health.”
Although he’s only been part of the campaign for a few weeks, Ewan is already seeing the positive difference.
And Ewan is right to get on his bike: the Scottish Longitudinal Study (2001–2018) found that people who cycle to work have a 47% lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with non-active commuters.
Well done to Ewan! By sharing his story, he is our Leave the Car Star and the winner of 25,000 BetterPoints.
Could it be you next month? Go back and tap the Menu ☰, More ways to earn and Leave the Car Star to take the two-minute survey and be in with a chance of winning.
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