New app awards users with Bradford Gift Card for walking and cycling

A NEWLY launched app rewards West Yorkshire residents for cycling, walking and using public transport.

BetterPoints lets users earn points that can be exchanged for vouchers to spend at a range of retailers or donated to local charities. Users can also earn tickets to enter prize draws to win a range of prizes. App to lead to '25 per cent increase' in journeys made on foot, by bike or using public transport. The proposals were first announced in 2024 – and the app was officially launched this past weekend.

The scheme has been funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority as part of a push to encourage people to make a shift from cars to healthier modes of transport.

When the scheme was first announced, WYCA officials said the app would lead to a "25 per cent increase in the number of journeys being made on foot, by bike or using public transport among users".

Major brands that have signed up to the scheme include Ikea, Starbucks, Argos, Greggs and Costa, but small independent businesses are encouraged to get involved too.

Users who have earned 5,000 points can get a Bradford BID gift card which can be used in local businesses.

The launch builds on the success of BetterPoints programmes already running across the UK, including in South and North Yorkshire, where similar schemes have helped thousands of people walk and cycle more often while supporting local businesses and charities.

The BetterPoints app is free to download, and scheme is open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds or Wakefield. Users can earn one BetterPoint for every minute they run, ride, walk or wheel within West Yorkshire, up to 30 minutes every day.‍ They earn 15 points for every bus, tram or train journey they make over a quarter of a mile within West Yorkshire, up to two journeys per day.

The app also lets users know how many calories they have burned and how much CO2 they have avoided by using active travel.

Anyone across West Yorkshire can download the BetterPoints app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.