RESIDENTS in Bridgwater and the surrounding area are being incentivised to commute by cycle rather than car in a bid to reduce.

A new smartphone app has been launched by The Bridgwater Way, a project focussed on helping to 'keep Bridgwater moving as the town goes through a period of significant growth and investment'.

The new scheme, known as BetterPoints, is being introduced to enable people who track their movements through the app, earning 'points and prizes' for adapting their travel plans.

Users of the BetterPoints smartphone app will be rewarded for walking, cycling, running and even scooting on their journeys around town.

Earn enough points and they can be exchanged for vouchers at high street stores, or donated to charity.

The app is now live, and you can sign up by going to thebridgwaterway.betterpoints.uk.

Bridgwater-based charity Brainwave is one of those listed on the app for donations, and their staff have become keen users of the app in a matter of weeks.

Kate Mills, national fundraising administrator for Brainwave said: "Walking to and from work along the route between North Petherton and Bridgwater is so straightforward for me and less stressful than using a car or the bus – plus it’s free which is always a bonus.

"It is a great opportunity to get some exercise each day, so I feel much happier when I am at work.

"I choose to donate my BetterPoints to the charity I work for – Brainwave – whose main centre is just off Huntworth Gate, Bridgwater.

"It’s a wonderful organisation that exists to help children with disabilities and additional needs to achieve greater independence."

The Bridgwater Way project is about more than just the BetterPoints scheme however, and over the past few years has invested in walking and cycling routes such as the cycle routes linking Bridgwater to Cannington and North Petherton, with improvements also planned for Puriton.

Somerset County Councillor John Woodman also backed BetterPoints, stating: "It is a great scheme - not only does it help reduce congestion but also encourages a healthier lifestyle."