On yer bike for a healthy commute Birgitta Gatersleben and David Uzzell University of Surrey Environmental Psychology Research Group

Department of Psychology Promoting cycling Hard measures and soft measures Better provisions is not enough Perceptions Cons (those who don’t) Distance, gradient, convenience, safety weather, pollution, social pressure Pros (those who do) Enjoyment, convenience, cost

Department of Psychology Prochaska transactional model of behaviour change StageCharacteristicsChange strategy Pre- contemplation Unaware, no intention to change Increase general problem awareness ContemplationAware, thinking about change Motivate, encourage specific action Prepared for action Intention to change in next 6 months Assist in developing specific plans ActionAction being takenFeedback, social support, reinforcement MaintenanceMaintained action for 6 months or more Reminders, feedback, social support

Department of Psychology Promoting cycling 389 questionnaires University staff 55% < 6 miles from work Daily commute: 40% of cycle journeys for work Sample: education, 10% cycle (3% national, 8% local) NCycleConsider PC C P A M Never Rarely Often Always Never Rarely Sometimes/often

Department of Psychology Cycle and car use by stages of change

Department of Psychology Cycling attitudes by stages of change

Department of Psychology Willingness and ability to cycle

Department of Psychology Circumstances under which one would be willing to cycle to work (more often) by stages of change. PC n=69 C n=66 P n=35 A n=18 M n=29 External Beyond control In authorities control Personal Relocation required Lifestyle change Changeable

Department of Psychology Conclusions StageCharacteristicsChange strategy PCLargest group Negative attitude Personal barriers Raising awareness C/PPos attitude Personal and external barriers Better provisions Flexible working hours, childcare etc. A/MPos attitude External barriers Would like to see improvements but does not stop them

Department of Psychology A two week cycling period NMilesPleasurePleasantUnpleasant NC Achievement, weather Weather, effort RC Traffic, convenience Weather, other rd users Car Radio, traffic Traffic, weather

Department of Psychology Continuing cycling after the study % Why started Mode use before starting Why continue Definitely Probably Sometimes No Fitness Mixed 57% car, 29% bus 75% bus, 25% walk 33% car, bus, walk 100% car Flexible, Fitness Flexible/ Inconvenient Mixed Fresh air/ dangerous, cold and hilly