The Mode Shift Month Awards recognise organisations that have excelled in raising awareness of sustainable transport options and delivering activities during Mode Shift Month and World Car Free Day. The shortlisted organisations are invited to the National STARS Summit in March 2026 and celebrated as an example of best practice across the industry.
Here, we are proud to showcase our winners and their inspiring case studies, highlighting how creative initiatives can make a tangible difference in communities across the UK.
Best Mode Shift Month Campaign – Local Authority: Derbyshire County Council
Campaign Overview
During Mode Shift Month 2025, Derbyshire County Council delivered a creative and engaging programme aimed at encouraging staff and school communities to explore sustainable travel options. Using a mix of digital engagement, blogs, and interactive challenges, the campaign focused on making cycling, walking, wheeling, public transport, and low-emission vehicle use more accessible and attractive.
Weekly themes allowed the council to highlight different modes of travel:
Celebration of Cycling (1-7 September)
Staff were introduced to local cycle routes, journey planning tools, and the Cycle to Work and Love to Ride schemes. A local Family Bike Ride in Belper encouraged employees to experience cycling with family.
The Wonder of Walking and Wheeling (8-14 September)
This week promoted walking and wheeling for wellbeing, featuring maps from the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Team. Accessible routes, including stiles-free paths in the Peak District, were highlighted for wheelchair users, families with pushchairs, and visually impaired individuals.
Ticket to Ride (15–21 September)
Public transport options were explored, supporting Bus Users UK Catch the Bus Month. Staff were encouraged to consider bus and rail travel for work and leisure, including the Derby – Matlock line via the Derwent Valley Community Rail Partnership. Mode Shift Month content was also shared on the partnership’s Facebook page.
Go Combustion Engine Free (22–30 September)
The final week promoted car sharing, low-emission vehicles, and continued encouragement for walking, cycling, and public transport. Staff were introduced to Derbyshire’s Smarter Travel initiatives, including the Kinto carpooling scheme, electric pool cars, and the Tusker Car Benefit scheme. Personal stories, such as an employee’s experience using an e-cycle for commuting and the school run, further inspired sustainable journeys.
Target Audience
The campaign targeted all Derbyshire County Council employees, including school staff, aiming to raise awareness of sustainable travel options for commuting and everyday utility trips.
Location
Activities were delivered online via the Place Hub intranet, the Our Derbyshire e-newsletter, and Schoolnet, ensuring county-wide reach and accessibility for employees and schools.
Participation and impact
- Place Hub analytics showed 539 unique visits during September, with 65% of viewers engaging with at least one Mode Shift Month post.
- The Our Derbyshire e-newsletter reached 8,000 employees, while Schoolnet provided resources to 419 schools.
- While individual changes in travel behaviour are hard to quantify, the campaign maximised engagement and raised awareness across the workforce and school communities.
Barriers and Solutions
- Barrier: Staff awareness of sustainable travel options.
Solution: Weekly themed blogs, interactive pledges, and a photo gallery encouraged exploration of active and low – carbon travel. - Barrier: Accessibility for all.
Solution: Inclusive content highlighted stiles free paths, accessible routes in the Peak District, and the Mental Health Team’s Let’s Chat benches to promote wellbeing. - Barrier: Financial constraints for staff.
Solution: Information on salary-based schemes, including Cycle to Work and the Tusker Car Benefit scheme, helped remove cost barriers.
Rob Bounds, Sustainable Travel Team, Derbyshire County Council said:
‘Derbyshire County Council’s Mode Shift Month programme demonstrates how digital engagement and practical support can encourage staff to make greener, healthier travel choices for everyday journeys. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility or access, can participate and benefit from sustainable transport.’
