The second installment of BUas Cycling Lab is a second in a series of three co-creation workshop sessions. This particular session focused on the considerations surrounding recreational biking, specifically on identifying inherent barriers and motivators, aiming to pinpoint deterrents and attractors for each route, and to discuss the policy decisions behind their design.
A Wide Audience
To draw a wider audience and inspire deeper thinking about cycling motivations and deterrents, three inspiring speakers were invited to the event. The first speaker discussed how infusing recreational bike routes with stories can increase motivation for cycling. By making the journey more engaging, cyclists are more likely to enjoy the experience. The second speaker highlighted essential criteria for planning recreational cycling routes. This provided attendees with a foundation of key characteristics to consider when evaluating a route. The third speaker delved into the role of cycling in the Netherlands, exploring the varying degrees of motivation among different individuals. This broader perspective helped participants understand the diverse factors influencing cycling choices.
Around 30 participants joined the workshop, consisting of individuals from different industries, contributing valuable insights to the session. Altogether, the workshop gathered representatives from the government, biking and tourism researchers, non-bikers interested in recreational biking, marketing agencies, and students.
Exploring the Appeal of Bike Routes
To kick off the workshop, participants were given a challenge to understand what makes a cycling route appealing. One way to gather the necessary data for the evaluation is to carry out a photographic survey of the existing routes. The participants of the workshop were trained to use such a visual approach to help them identify both motivating elements and potential obstacles. By examining such photographic evidence, participants are expected to gain a deeper understanding of what makes a cycling route attractive or off-putting.
Co-Creating an Assessment Tool
The next step involved the development of an assessment tool for recreational cycling routes. Participants were invited to co-create an assessment tool, allowing them to assess their own preferences and tailor cycling routes to their individual profiles. The assessment tool was complemented with photographic examples of assessment criteria to ensure clarity and consistency.
All participants were provided with the newly developed assessment tool and encouraged to gather data in the real-world contexts. An overview of bikeable routes in the vicinity of the venue was shared, facilitating the practical application of the tool.
