Prof. Ian Walker

@ianwalker.bsky.social

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Environmental psychologist: transport, energy, water, buildings. "Woke scientist" (Daily Mail). Head of Psychology, Swansea University 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿. Charity trustee x2. @locastproject.bsky.social My views World Record-breaking cyclist drianwalker.com

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"invidividual"
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However, I think I might have the unhappy task of pouring a bit of cold water on your enthusiasm! There have been several similar initiatives to what you're proposing in the past, aiming to create workplace or individual challenges, competitions, charity fundraising, etc. e.g.,: * https://atc.getmeactive.org.uk/ * https://www.travelvu.app/activetravel * https://www.ecorewards.co.uk/ * https://streettag.co.uk/ The question is, do these things actually work? The consensus seems to be while they are a feelgood pat on the back for people who are already walking or cycling, these people were already doing it, and weren't about to stop doing it, so there's no actual change in behaviour to be gained; at the same time, the schemes don't do much to get people out of cars and starting to walk or cycle - which is the real goal. The same conclusion was reached about other "encouragement interventions" like HMRC's tax breaks for free breakfasts on bike-to-work days.
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A graph showing that respondents' plans to buy SUVs aren't much related to their professed concern for other people's safety
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A mockup SUV advert image with a prototype safety warning
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Thank you for you'r custom
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