Encouraging sustainable modal shift—An evaluation of the Portsmouth Big Green Commuter Challenge

Abstract

This paper describes the impact of the Portsmouth "Big Green Commuter Challenge" (BGCC) event, organized by Portsmouth City Council (PCC) in order to reduce carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions from transport within the city. In total, over 1000 people and 36 organizations took part in the 2011 event. This is an example of a 'Smarter Choice" measure designed to encourage travel behavioral change to more sustainable modes of transport. A literature review and evaluation of previous "Smarter Choices" measures has been carried out to give some context to the BGCC. An introduction to the city of Portsmouth is presented, in particular its efforts to reduce road traffic and emissions from the city centre area. The event encouraged a modal shift to more sustainable modes of travel, resulting in estimated reductions in CO 2 and NO x emissions per mile. However, a number of further recommendations have been made to enable future similar events to have a greater impact on road traffic and emissions.

Development and optimisation of a multi-component workplace intervention to increase cycling for the Cycle Nation Project

“…Our key innovation was to use an evidence-based approach guided by the rigorous step-by-step 6SQuID intervention development framework ( 42 ), theoretical accounts of behavior change [the Behavior Change Wheel ( 44 ) and Self-Determination Theory ( 45 )] and evidence-based behavior change techniques ( 46 ), and move beyond single-component workplace cycling interventions ( 36 , 39 , 40 , 53 ) to design a multi-component individual-/social-level intervention tailored to address the specific barriers to cycling for our target population (employees of a multi-national bank). These barriers were broadly similar to those observed in previous research, and included lack of cycling skills and confidence ( 27 , 28 ), lack of safety ( 31 ) and social support ( 33 ), perceptions of effort ( 30 ), and cost ( 32 ).…”

Co-producing Mobility: Lessons from Ridesharing for a More Just and Sustainable Autonomous Future

“…Gamification, even when used with financial incentives, may be insufficient to impact travel behavior unless the incentives amount to significant savings in cost or time (Castellanos, 2016;Zhu et al, 2015). Public events and encouragement programs show promise for immediate changes toward alternatives to driving alone, but short-duration events may not change travel over the long term (Wall et al 2017). Transportation policies that impact both convenience and direct cost to the driver, such as the availability of parking, may be more effective over time (Riggs, 2014;Shoup, 2005).…”

Transport Challenges in Latin American Cities: Lessons Learnt from Policy Experiences

“…Different policies aimed at encouraging sustainable modal shift have attracted increasing interest over the last decade. These initiatives focus on changing people's travel behavior by promoting more sustainable and active travel options such as public transport, cycling and walking (Wall et al, 2017). Shifting towards active travel modes may contribute to reduce air pollution from burning fossil fuels, decrease traffic congestion, increase levels of physical activity, reduce exposure to air and noise pollutants, and increase social interaction (Song et al 2017;Rissel, 2009).…”

“…The consequent improvement in traffic flows, air quality and vehicle accessibility are associated to an improvement in the perceived urban environment not only by car drivers, but also for cyclists and pedestrians (Eliasson, 2014). Vehicle restrictions and the promotion of alternatives to private motorization such as integrated public transport, rapid transit and bike lanes also contribute to promote more sustainable and active transportation, influencing modal choice (Wall et al, 2017). The foregoing would undoubtedly translate into health benefits and higher quality of life for citizens in urban areas, contributing to safer and more sustainable communities.…”