About us
The Cycling Think & Do Tank is a multidisciplinary, multi-sector research project focused on increasing cycling as a primary transportation choice. Initiated with funding from a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Partnership Development grant, our work focuses on:
With this initiative, Principal Investigator Beth Savan, a veteran University of Toronto School of the Environment researcher, has built a coalition of expert practitioners and academics to address an important gap in knowledge about building more sustainable cities: how experience from the behavioural change field (applied extensively to building occupants) can be transferred to the field of active transportation.
- mapping cycling patterns
- exploring the economic benefits of cycling for transportation
- bringing together literature from both environmental psychology and active transportation
- and developing an integrated suite of tools for increasing cycle use in daily transport
With this initiative, Principal Investigator Beth Savan, a veteran University of Toronto School of the Environment researcher, has built a coalition of expert practitioners and academics to address an important gap in knowledge about building more sustainable cities: how experience from the behavioural change field (applied extensively to building occupants) can be transferred to the field of active transportation.
Where we fit in the research world
Evidence to date suggests three elements interact to encourage cycling for daily transportation: these are individual and collective behaviour, infrastructure, and urban rules and processes. Today, many cities are focusing on upgrading and improving roads to incorporate appropriate infrastructure for safe cycling. Urban rules and processes, particularly laws governing responsibility, safety and citizen involvement can also significantly improve cycling-inclusion. Behaviour is the third crucial factor. Promotion, education and other campaigns often focus on behaviour. To date, however, there are few experiences and even fewer studies of the most effective measures for increasing cycling behaviour. Using experience gained from the environmental field and health promotion, the Cycling Think & Do Tank is focused on this vital aspect of social change.
Figure Credit: Lake Sagaris
