Comparing municipal progress in implementing temporary cycle lanes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This study investigates whether the Covid-19 pandemic opened a policy window of opportunity for the implementation of temporary cycle lanes, and how German municipalities differed in their implementation progress. The Multiple Streams Framework is used to guide the data analysis and interpretation of the results. A survey of staff working in German municipalities is conducted. The extent to which municipal administrations progressed in the implementation of temporary cycle lanes is estimated using a Bayesian sequential logit model. Our results show that of the administrations who responded to the survey most did not consider implementing temporary cycle lanes. The Covid-19 pandemic positively affected implementation progress of temporary cycle lanes, but only the first implementation stage, which was the decision to consider implementing this type of measure. Administrations are more likely to report progress if they already had plans for and experience with implementing active transport infrastructure and were located in areas with high population density.

Taking a deep breath: a qualitative study exploring acceptability and perceived unintended consequences of charging clean air zones and air quality improvement initiatives amongst low-income, multi-ethnic communities in Bradford, UK.

BACKGROUND: Poor air quality is the one of the biggest causes of early death and illness across the lifespan. In the UK, 28 local authorities with illegal pollution levels have been mandated by the Government to develop plans to rapidly reduce pollution to legal limits. These plans include consideration of implementing one of four of charging 'Clean Air Zone' (CAZ) classes in areas of high pollution which would charge older polluting vehicles a daily charge to enter. While this offers a potential to improve air quality, the extent to which CAZ might impact (for example, economically) on socio-economically deprived groups and local businesses is unclear. AIMS: To explore the acceptability and perceived unintended consequences of a CAZ and other initiatives to improve air quality with seldom-heard communities living in deprived, multi-ethnic areas within the city of Bradford, UK. METHODS: Ten semi-structured focus groups were conducted with people who live in areas of high pollution and deprivation. A total of 87 people participated from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds with the majority of Pakistani origin. Recorded data were transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic analysis. FINDINGS: As poor air quality was not always visible it was seen as a hidden issue by many, and not prioritised over other more visible environmental issues (e.g. fly-tipping, littering). There was resistance to proposals which included charging private vehicles. Many felt that low-income families did not have the resources to purchase compliant vehicles or pay daily charges, placing a disproportionate burden on them. It was also felt that low-income taxi drivers would be disproportionately affected financially by proposals. Public transport infrastructure was felt to be inadequate. Other traffic management or emission reduction activities were also explored. Views towards these initiatives were more positive if they did not directly affect individuals financially. CONCLUSION: Air quality initiatives such as CAZs were felt to be likely to financially disadvantage communities already living in socio-economic and environmental poverty. Policy makers need to carefully consider appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure that health and economic inequalities are not increased by implementation of CAZ. Given air quality is low priority for some groups, careful engagement and communication will be required to increase acceptance interventions such as CAZs.

Assessment of Environmental Determinants of Physical Activity: a Study of Built Environment Indicators in Brno, Czech Republic.

BACKGROUND: Research on physical activity in relation to obesity gradually becomes more focused on environmental determinants, which can potentially influence people's health choices. The present article addresses the topic of physical activity from a wider sociological perspective. Our pilot study was designed with the objective of testing the applicability of a method included in the EC 6th Framework Programme EURO-PREVOB, in the Czech context. The method examines specific determinants of the built environment that can have an impact on physical activity at the population level. In addition, the study aims to analyze possible differences in built environment indicators and their relation to the physical activity of people living in neighbourhoods with areas of varying socioeconomic status. METHODS: The field study was carried out in the city of Brno, Czech Republic, in 5 neighbourhood quintiles, i.e. areas divided according to the socioeconomic status of local residents. In each quintile, we evaluated the quality of the built environment according to the quality, aesthetics and safety of segregated cycle facilities, playgrounds/playing areas, public open spaces, marked road crossings and pavements as well as signs of incivilities and devastation. RESULTS: Between the five quintiles, significant differences were found in the quality of parks and playgrounds/playing areas, pavements, marking of pedestrian crossings, and in general aesthetics, i.e. signs of incivilities and devastation of the built environment. No differences were found in the quality and use of cycle facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The method we used for the evaluation of the built environment proved highly applicable in Czech populated areas. Monitoring of built environment indicators in the Czech Republic should provide a basis for health maps, showing potential associations between the prevalence of high-incidence, non-infectious diseases and various social determinants of physical activity. This information might help in achieving an improvement in these determinants at a community level and promoting an increase in physical activity at the population level.

The relation of visual perception of speed limits and the implementation of cycle lanes - a cross-country comparison.

Speed plays a key role in road safety research. Recent studies have indicated an association between speed limits and driving behaviour. However, less attention has been paid to the role of context in the perception of speed limits, and the way cycle lanes influence this perception. This study examines how respondents in different countries of residence perceive speed limits, and how cycle lanes influence their perception of speed limits. An online survey provided quantitative data for a cross-country comparison from 1591 respondents in Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The findings show that country of residence influences the way speed limits are perceived, and cycle lanes are interpreted distinctly. In locations where cycle lanes are common, they act as indicators of either lower or higher speed limits, while in countries with less familiarity with cycle lanes respondents associate cycle lanes only with lower speed limits. Suggesting a safer and broader understanding of cycle lanes where they are familiar (the Netherlands) and a narrower understanding where cycle lanes are not common (Australia and the United Kingdom), this study provides evidence for policymakers explaining resistance to implementing cycle lanes and implies that implementing lower speed limits and cycle lanes are a road safety measure. Suggestions are identified for future research.

Aspectos sociodemográficos, barreiras e motivações de ciclistas de uma cidade sul-brasileira: um estudo de métodos mistos / Sociodemographic aspects, barriers, and motivations of cyclists from a South Brazilian city: a study of mixed methods

Resumo O objetivo foi descrever características de uso e aspectos sociodemográficos e motivacionais de ciclistas usuários do sistema cicloviário da cidade de Pelotas, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Foi realizado um estudo de métodos mistos com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. No total, 841 ciclistas foram amostrados aleatoriamente e entrevistados no componente transversal descritivo do estudo. A maior parte dos usuários eram homens (82,9%), pertencentes à faixa etária entre 30 e 59 anos (55,8%) e trabalhadores da construção civil ou do comércio (47,4%). Mais de 80% utilizam a bicicleta como deslocamento. Embora a grande maioria tenha relatado utilizar bicicleta mesmo em dias de verão e inverno rigorosos, apenas 56,6% relataram manter o uso em dias de chuva. Nove entrevistas semiestruturadas foram realizadas no componente qualitativo e emergiram barreiras como condições climáticas atreladas à qualidade das vias (dias de chuva), relações de trânsito conflituosas e necessidade de melhoria e ampliação das vias em direção aos bairros. Entre as motivações, foram destacadas questões de economia de gastos com transporte e de cuidados da saúde (entre os ciclistas de lazer). Os resultados encontrados apresentam subsídios específicos para intervenções de políticas públicas e necessidade de foco de acordo com seus usuários.

Abstract The scope of this study was to describe the characteristics of use and sociodemographic and motivational aspects of cyclists who travel on the cycle paths/lanes in the city of Pelotas (Brazil). A descriptive study was conducted applying mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative approaches. A total of 841 cyclists were randomly selected and assessed in the quantitative component. The majority of users were men (82.9%), from the middle age group (55.8%) and workers in the construction industry and local commerce (47.4%). More than 80% of the participants used the bicycle for commuting purposes. Although the large majority reported using the bicycle even in rigorous winter and summer conditions, only 56.6% reported use on rainy days. Nine interviews were performed in the qualitative component and the following barriers emerged: climate conditions related to the quality of streets, (rainy days); complex traffic systems; and the need for qualitative and quantitative improvement in the paths leading to outlying neighborhoods. Saving money with transport and health benefits (among leisure-time cyclists) are the main motivations for using a bicycle. The results reveal specific aspects for improvement in terms of public policies, and the need to prioritize specific user demands.