Re:route is like a Nectarcard for eco-warriors - and for those who simply realise that non-mechanised means of transportation are the most practical to move around in London.

This iPhone application developed by Recyclebank and sponsored by Transport for London (TfL) comes to reward cyclists and walkers for using a cleaner mode of transport and helping to decongest the roads."TfL is supporting Re:route because it supports our wider efforts to encourage more people to consider cycling and walking as quick and convenient ways of getting around the city," said Ben Plowden, TfL's director of planning.

"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," he added.

The way this mobile application works is by entering a starting point and a destination on your phone. The App will then recommend several travel options, including cycling, walking and public transport, and once you've arrived at the end of your journey you'll be given five Recyclebank points if you had chosen rightly- apart from showing how many calories you have consumed and the amount of CO2 you've saved.

As with any saving card, the points you've earned with Re:route can be spent on several discounts and offers from Recyclebank's partners, companies ranging from Marks & Spencers to Planet Organic.

My first thought after learning about Re:route was to know if users can cheat and say they've been cycling in the rain when the truth is that they've been sitting comfortably on a bus. Well, as the application tracks your progress by GPS, the chances of lying to the machine are pretty narrow.

Moreover, is not like anyone is going to get rich by swapping their favourite mode of transport overnight - the discounts offered are far from being spectacular and, they are always in relation to saving money after a purchase, so you'll never be given anything for free.

It's a nice touch though, and if it can persuade a few to opt for cleaner transportation the goal would be achieved.

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