Car Sharing: Travel Together, Reduce Impact, Build Community

Why Car Sharing Matters

Car sharing isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s about making orienteering more accessible, more affordable, and more sustainable for everyone involved. 

It Reduces Environmental Impact

Fewer cars mean fewer emissions. By sharing journeys, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of events, ease congestion at venues, and show landowners that we are taking responsible, practical steps to protect the environment. 

It Makes Events More Affordable

Travel costs can quickly add up, especially with fuel and parking. Sharing a lift helps spread these costs, making it easier for more people to attend events without feeling the financial pressure.

It Improves Accessibility

Not everyone has access to a car, especially students and young adults. Car sharing opens up opportunities for those who might otherwise struggle to attend events, particularly in rural or harder‑to‑reach locations. 

If your club is near a university, reaching out and offering lifts could make a big difference to student participation. 

Strengthen Your Club Community

Travelling together can create a relaxed, social environment where members can connect, get to know each other, and feel part of the team. 

For newer members, it can make attending their first few events much less daunting. 

Support Organisers and Landowners

Fewer cars make logistics much easier, especially at venues with limited parking. It also helps demonstrate good behaviour and responsibility, which is key to maintaining strong relationships with landowners. 

How can clubs encourage car sharing?

Clubs can set up a dedicated WhatsApp chat for Car Sharing, where members can offer, or freely ask for a lift without judgement. It may be beneficial to share this group with neighbouring clubs and university clubs, as members nearby will often be travelling in a similar direction.

For clubs that use RaceSignUp, there is a Car Sharing function, whereby organisers can see participants that have opted-in to Car Share, and are able to match drivers with passengers.

There are also specific car sharing platforms, such as Liftshare, where you can create a community for your club

How can we promote safe car sharing?

Car Sharing schemes are for adults aged 18 and over. British Orienteering and Clubs are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all participants, including adults who may be vulnerable. Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility; any concerns about a participant's welfare, safety or wellbeing should be reported to the scheme organiser.

Participants are expected to behave respectfully towards one another. Any concerns about inappropriate behaviour, harassment, safety or wellbeing should be reported to the scheme organiser, who may remove individuals from the scheme where necessary.

If you are meeting someone for the first time for a Car Share, or it will be your first joruney with them, it would be advisable to organise the pick-up in a public place. 

Drivers are responsible for ensuring that they hold a valid driving licence and that their vehicle is roadworthy, taxed, insured and, where required, has a valid MOT. Drivers should check with their insurer that participation in a car-sharing arrangement is covered by their policy.

All drivers and passengers must be aware that car sharing schemes act only as a means of connecting participants and do not undertake checks on drivers, passengers or vehicles. Participants must be aware they take part at their own discretion and are responsible for making their own arrangements and decisions.

A Small Change with a Big Impact

Orienteering often takes us to incredible but remote places, and that is part of what makes the sport so special. By choosing to travel together, we can protect these environments, make events more inclusive, and strengthen the sense of community within our clubs. 

So next time you’re heading to an event, ask yourself..

Do I have a spare seat?