This festive season is, without doubt, going to be very different – and perhaps quite difficult – for a lot of us. How are we going to celebrate in a Covid-safe way? What changes do we need to make to our plans, so that we don’t put ourselves or others at risk? How can we talk to each other about these tricky issues?

Travel underpins so many of these plans. With Xmas round the corner, people may want to drop presents off, do last-minute shopping, meet others for a walk outside and so on. But the new (and sometimes confusing) recommendations and legal restrictions around family bubbles, different rules for different tiers, ongoing guidelines around social distancing, rules around bars and restaurants, avoiding public transport and more, it’s going to be more challenging than ever to work out how to travel safely – in every sense of the word.

How are we going to get around? Will we need to travel differently, so that we stick to our ‘bubbles’? Are the buses running? Do taxis need booking? Who’s driving? Will someone need to agree not to drink alcohol?  Will the trains be too busy? What about traffic jams?

Remember that the police are out in force throughout the festive season, on the lookout for people who drink/drug drive. As of 13 December, they’d arrested 139 people for drink or drug driving in West Yorkshire. Many of the people who end up losing their licence, their jobs (or even in prison), at this time of year are people with no previous convictions – don’t let that be you!

To make it easier to plan your travel ahead of time and enjoy the festive break, here are a few things that will help.

• If you can – walk: we tend to think of an average walking pace as 15 to 20 mns to do one mile.

• Consider cycling, if you’ve got a road-worthy bike, warm clothes, good lights etc. (Read our post about winter cycling for more). What better time to check out the new segregated cycle routes! See the WY Journey Planner for more.

• If you’re using public transport, check for travel updates with your local bus/ train operator.

• Book taxis well ahead of time.

• Don’t drink and drive.

• Don’t take drugs and drive.

Stay safe, travel safe, and enjoy the festive break!