New review, interesting read. Quotes UK cycle commuting rate as 1%!
What interventions increase commuter
cycling? A systematic review
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Resources
What interventions increase commuter cycling?
(7 posts)-
Posted 9 years ago #
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Not exactly conclusive conclusion!
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Conclusions: Despite commuter cycling prevalence varying widely between countries, robust evidence of what interventions will increase commuter cycling in low cycling prevalence nations is sparse. Wider environmental interventions that make cycling conducive appear to reach out to hard to define but larger populations. This could mean that environmental interventions, despite their small positive effects, have greater public health significance than individual-based or group-based measures because those interventions encourage a larger number of people to integrate physical activity into their everyday lives.
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Posted 9 years ago # -
The conclusion seems to echo the words of Patrick Moore: "We just don't know."
I've been thinking about a couple of other interventions that have come about for the benefit of society.
The smoking ban surely didn't happen because everyone eventually decided it was a good thing and were encouraged (or ostracised) by other people; people were made to change their behaviour. The campaign probably helped make it more acceptable rather than leading the change in the first place.
Seat belt wearing in cars took ten years to enact in legislation, even though the 'Clunk Click' campaign had started two years before that. Even though John Adams believes (in 2007) that the UK law on seat belts should be repealed, the behaviour seems fairly well established, now.
I think the fundamental problem is that humans are intelligent enough to find ways to be more lazy. Why do we choose to cycle, when we could walk instead? Because it's faster for the same effort, and we need faster because our lives (seem to) demand it. Add almost free reign on motor vehicle use and a society (and a political view) that has become reliant on their use and you have an anti-human result.
Posted 9 years ago # -
Most successful intervention seems to be "Building a bridge" (Glasgow) - Table 3
Posted 9 years ago # -
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I would like to reassure you that Scottish Ministers are fully committed to promoting sustainable and active travel and getting more people making active travel choices for both recreational and everyday journeys wherever possible to improve health and reduce carbon emissions. That is why we are working in partnership with our stakeholders such as Sustrans Scotland, Cycling Scotland and local authorities to ensure infrastructure is delivered to the highest standard to make cycling a safe and realistic travel choice for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Posted 9 years ago # -
That response was the biggest pile of waffle...
Posted 9 years ago # -
So, in summary:
1. I'm not telling you how much was spent on cycling last year, you'll have to make do with figures for "active travel".
2. This year's budget is less than last year, but I intend to increase it to match that.
3. The budget for this year is 12% higher than last year, even though it is less than what was eventually spent.
4. I have no idea where any additional funds might come from. I'm currently trying to see if anything has slipped down the back of the couch.
5. No commitment to future cycling budget levels.
6. I don't intend to do anything to make it easier for councils to introduce 20mph limits.
7. There has been almost no progress towards the 10% shared vision/target, apart from in areas which have chosen to invest in cycling.
8. No commitment to updating Cycling by Design, simply to have discussions about a possible future update.I can't say I'm surprised, but it is still pretty disappointing.
Posted 9 years ago #
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