Abstract
This paper reports on research being undertaken as part of the 3 year Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded project which seeks to examine ways in which more people might be encouraged to walk and cycle in the future, what steps are needed to support this potential increase in walking and cycling and how to improve the experience for those who already use these modes. Walking and cycling can make a considerable contribution to sustainable transport goals, building healthier and more sociable communities and contributing to traffic reduction and lower carbon emissions. The amount of walking and cycling in Britain has declined over the long term and research suggests that there are major obstacles to prevent people from using these modes. There have been many national and local initiatives to promote walking and cycling but without a long term vision and consistent strategy it is difficult to see how a significant change may be achieved. The time is now right to examine the means by which such a fundamental change both in the quantity of walking and cycling, and in the quality of the experience can be achieved, which goes well beyond continuation of existing trends. The research uses innovative methodologies supported by visualisation software to help users understand how futures might appear, uses modelling techniques which examine narrative and storylines to understand how different futures might evolve, and utilizes a range of social research methods to explore how different futures might affect individual lifestyles and to evaluate impacts on society. The paper will describe the approach adopted in the project and outline the initial visions developed.
Original language | English |
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Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Event | Walk21 Conference - New York, United States Duration: 6 Oct 2009 → 8 Oct 2009 |
Conference
Conference | Walk21 Conference |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | New York |
Period | 6/10/09 → 8/10/09 |