By Gemma Childe on 14th May 2012
Walking and cycling in London can earn discounts at stores such as Marks and Spencer using a new iPhone app.
The Re:route app from Recyclebank enables users to collect points simply by making journeys on foot or by bicycle.
The points can then be exchanged for discounts at stores including M&S, Planet Organic and Champneys.
Recyclebank, which already runs a programme of rewards for recycling, hopes the app will encourage Londoners and visitors to the capital to keep fit, cut traffic congestion and reduce their carbon footprint.
A typical journey might earn a user five points. Once they have amassed 75 points they could receive a £5 discount when they spend more than £25 on food, wine and flowers at M&S.
The app has won the approval of Transport for London, which estimates that more than 100 short journeys on the Tube are quicker by foot.
Ben Plowden, the director of planning for TfL surface transport, said "More people cycling and walking will help to reduce congestion on our roads and on our busy public transport network. An initiative like Re:route is a great way to help TfL achieve these goals.
"We're particularly excited about the potential for this app to motivate people to cycle and walk during the London 2012 Games, when London's roads and public transport network will be at their busiest."
The app also allows users to see weather updates, choose routes and share them on Facebook.