Travelling by bike, foot, bus and car, four shoppers competed against each other in a journey from Netherton to Cathedral Square, Peterborough, on Saturday in a bid to highlight the effect their mode of transport has on the environment and their pockets.

The volunteers set off from Ledbury Road in Netherton at 11am and followed a number of routes on the city's road, bus, cycle and walking networks to arrive in Cathedral Square.

The event was organised by the city council's Travelchoice team to highlight the different travel options available to Peterborough's weekend visitors and to show how they compare in cost, time, health and environmental benefits.

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The car came in first at 11 minutes and 23 seconds, followed by the cyclist and the bus. The walker came in last at 31 minutes and 20 seconds.

Car driver Trevor McSparron (25), from Peterborough, said: "It was unusually quiet for a Saturday morning in Peterborough, there was no traffic and we had no problems parking.

"However, it was 10 times more expensive than cycling.

I hope it gives people who use their cars something to think about."

Del Cruft (32), from Stamford, took the bus.

He said: "It was a very quick and direct journey. If you are living in the city, then it is just practical in every sense to use public transport, walk or cycle."

Matt Barber (22), of Gildale Hall, Werrington, who cycled, said: "The car won by a couple of minutes, but we did stop to take a picture of a swan and her babies.

"We took the healthy route and one of the cheapest methods. It was really relaxing and we got to see the countryside."

Dan Beedan (28), from Oundle, who came in last by foot, said: "It was actually much quicker than I thought. If you think that for a few minutes more time, you get to see the lovely scenery, it's better on your health and you save money, it is the best method all round."

Walking was the cheapest followed by the cycle and bus. The car journey was the most expensive, at £4.58.

Walking also had the greatest health benefits by burning about 246 calories.

The cyclist burned 204 calories, while the bus traveller and driver burnt only a few on their walk from the bus stop or car park.

The "carbon footprint" of car drivers was the largest, emitting about 600g of CO2, while the walker and cyclist emit none.

Bus passengers are responsible for 300g of carbon.

Travelchoice team manager Beth Hiblin said: "Walking and cycling are best in terms of health, environment and cost, while bus travel offers cost and environmental benefits over the car, which is the worst option on all considerations."

Factfile: on the transport

• THE CAR


• COST: £4.58 including petrol, wear and tear and parking


• TIME: 11 minutes 23 seconds


• CALORIES BURNT: a few


• CARBON EMISSION: 600g of CO2

• THE BIKE


• COST: About 46p.


• TIME: 13 minutes 51 seconds


• CALORIES BURNT: 204


• CARBON EMISSION: None

• THE BUS


• COST: About 46p.


• TIME: 15 minutes 37 seconds


• CALORIES BURNT: a few


• CARBON EMISSION: 300g CO2

• WALKING


• COST: Nothing


• TIME: 31 minutes 20 seconds


• CALORIES BURNT: 246


• CARBON EMISSION: None