To celebrate International Women’s Day 2021, we’ve been speaking to local girls and women about how being active benefits them and to hear how they overcome some common barriers to keeping active.
See Debbie's story here and Sue's story here.
Next up is Emma and her bold move
We made a bold decision to get rid of our car. I’m not someone who would go to the gym, so for me it was the only way I knew I’d incorporate more activity into my day, if it was a part of my routine.
There is another lady I saw at school pick up who cycles every day with her children, and chicken, on her bike and she inspired me. Plus another woman I saw cycling with a toddler on her back and a new born in a car seat on the front. I thought, if she can do it, then I can. I was curious about coping without a car, and although I sometimes borrow my mum’s car, or she helps collect the children, I realised it is possible.
My main reason was environmental and not wanting to further pollute the island, but keeping active was also a big part of it. And when I arrive at work I feel more awake, able to concentrate and my energy levels are better. I’ve also realised that my cycling time is a great time for reflection and I tend to plan my day ahead, or try and problem solve things going on at home – more than I do in a car.
Sometimes the weather is bad, but we all have good waterproofs and the children, rather than being miserable on the back of our electric cargo bike, aren’t bothered at all by the weather. I also notice, whereas they might be quite quiet in the car, they sing loudly, we have proper chats and we feel more connected to nature.
And as the roads in Guernsey seem busier than ever, I'd definitely rather be a part of the solution than a part of the problem.