New ways of traveling

Purpose and goal

The city of Helsingborg has previously used a method called ”test cyclist” to get people to try cycling. We now want to develop our method to inspire residents to change means of transport from car to bicycle, and thus promote public health and a good environment. We therefore join forces with Lund University to investigate whether we can validate the method´s results and create a method template. We will also examine motives behind changed travel habits in different target groups and whether the method has spillover effects to more than those who participate in the test.

Expected results and effects

The result, a method template, will be easy to apply for other municipalities. It will also be well evaluated in expected results in changed travel habits and spillover effects. Through the template, we want to facilitate strategic work for behavioral changes. We also hope that a large part of the 300 participating test cyclists will change their travel habits in the long term, which will be evaluated a year after their participation. In addition, we will use the test periods to gather opinions and experiences from the participants about how they experience cycling in the city.

Planned approach and implementation

The goal is to get 300 people to participate as test cyclists to be able to perform measurements and qualitative research on the method. People who use cars as their main means of transport are recruited to travel by bicycle as much as possible for 6 weeks. Participants receive a motivating kit with bicycle accessories, such as a bicycle helmet, lights and reflective vest. They also get information about bike paths and the benefits of cycling. To strengthen the main method, marketing and involvement of schools nearby will also be included in the test.