Local 'bikelash' to active travel schemes turn positive when benefits are seen, study shows

The ESRI study said active travel infrastructure had the potential to decrease car dependency and promote healthier, more sustainable communities. Picture: iStock

Locals may be opposed to active travel schemes in their communities, but invariably come round to them once they are put in place, new research has suggested.

For a new paper, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) through its Behavioural Research Unit looked into the evidence internationally on what happens when infrastructure in an area pivots to cycling and walking.

While it boosts rates of cycling and walking, such plans could often face a “bikelash” due to negative expectations about the effects on businesses and traffic.

However, the ESRI research suggests the effects on local food and retail businesses from active travel tends to be positive or neutral, and that such schemes can reduce traffic congestion.

ESRI senior research officer Dr Shane Timmons said: “Opposition to traffic policy changes is not unique to Ireland.

However, in multiple countries, research finds that people become more positive about changes once they are implemented. Open and fair consultations with communities to address concerns about traffic, local businesses and safety are helpful. 

"Policy can benefit from more targeted research on how communities anticipate and respond to change.” 

Active travel investment by the State has been boosted by the current Government, with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan earlier this month announcing funding of  €290m for local authorities across the country for walking and cycling infrastructure this year.

The Government said funding for active travel since 2020 has passed the €1bn mark.

The ESRI study said active travel infrastructure had the potential to decrease car dependency and promote healthier, more sustainable communities.

“The urgently required modal shift from motorised transport to cycling and walking in urban areas is unlikely to occur without it,” it said.

“Planning of new active travel schemes needs to begin with early communication undertaken within an open and fair consultation.

“Ideally, messages should aim to challenge status quo bias and would aim to help local citizens to make up their minds about the benefits and disadvantages of change based on accurate perceptions and expectations. In particular, impacts on traffic, local businesses, and safety should be addressed.” 

The ESRI added that dedicated infrastructure that allows cyclists to complete full journeys while feeling safe increases cycling, particularly among women and older people, who are otherwise less likely to cycle.

Ensuring cycle lanes are segregated from other traffic, given priority at intersections and are accompanied by traffic calming measures can also boost the real and perceived safety for both cyclists and pedestrians to use such routes.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

The National Transport Authority’s head of active travel investment Joe Seymour said: “It can often be hard for communities to fully see the benefits of an active travel scheme before it is implemented. 

"However, we have seen, time and time again, how people’s views can change once a project has been delivered and its positive impacts begin to be realised.”