The Swedish Winter Cycling Challenge
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | BRANSCHBOLAGET SVERIGE AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 776 603 |
| Project duration | October 2017 - May 2018 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
During the winter season, cycling dramatically decreases. At the same time, congestion on roads and in public transport increases, and the good health and environmental impacts get lost. Accessibility for cyclists deteriorates radically, while increasing the risk of accidents. By praising the municipalities that work actively, efficiently and innovatively to promote year-round cycling, the conditions for cycling can be improved and new, exemplary methods are spread. The project has led to new innovations, diffusing of existing methods and created knowledge about the topic.
Expected results and effects
18 contributions were registred, of which 11 were finalized. Given that the relatively narrow target group (municipalities) and the high demands on contributions (must be completed during the competition period), the number of contributions is good. Many municipalities did not have time to finish contributions in time. However, many have understood the challenges which may trigger an intensified work in the future. The medial work has, as expected, created a commitment to winter cycling. In social media, the reactions have been both encouraging and questioning.
Planned approach and implementation
The competition was promoted to potential competitors. The activities were well balanced and complemented well. Most likely, all municipalities knew about the competition, but the design was not sufficiently attractive to generate more contest grants. One challenge is to reach beyond established contacts. Knowledge about the competition and winter cycling became good through medial work and activities. The jury method worked well. Criteria might be developed. It was good to compile the state of the art as well as action at different levels of dissemination after the competition.