Projects

Follow the link to our showcase of six of our projects described by their leads, with illustrations and links.

Here’s a summary of ten of our studies with links to relevant material.

• • • A large, three-year mixed-methods study funded by the National Institute for Health Research examining the impacts of low traffic neighbourhoods in London. The project combines use of technology such as machine learning sensors and Google API data, with in-depth qualitative methods and a focus on disabled people’s experiences. Lead: Professor Rachel Aldred.
    • A three-year DfT-funded study of Active Travel Fund schemes introduced across England, including scheme impacts and processes. This uses a range of data sources including focus group research with local authority officers, which has uncovered enablers and barriers to implementation including specific challenges faced in rural authorities. Lead: Professor Rachel Aldred.
    • A study for the Local Government Association looking at the implementation of emergency Covid-19 streetscape schemes in England. This has led to the LGA making recommendations to member bodies in a published report. Lead: Dr. Tom Cohen.
    • A study funded by Transport for London of travel behaviour and attitudes across Greater London, including analysis of determinants of attitudes to investment in cycling and car use, including individual- and area-level factors affecting people’s views. Lead: Dr. Jamie Furlong who presented the study at the BSA Conference 2022.
    • A five-year longitudinal study funded by Transport for London of impacts of active travel investment in Outer London. The study has showed that people living near schemes – particularly ambitious measures – walked and cycled more, with the biggest absolute increase being in walking levels. However, many schemes are perceived as cycling schemes. Lead: Professor Rachel Aldred
    • A study of impacts of School Streets in London, funded by Cross River Partnership (who published in March 2022 a report based on research so far), including impacts on mode share and the extent to which these schemes have been equitably distributed. Lead: Asa Thomas.
    • A University funded PhD project exploring children’s independent mobility and uncovering the role played by intermediate spaces, such as the corner shop as a trusted local destination enabling a step towards greater independence. Lead: Dr. Holly Weir (who most recently presented this work at Living Streets’ National Walking Summit).
    • An ‘Equity Fellowship’ project exploring barriers experienced by Black men who cycle, including the double bind of being both invisible (in official representations of cycling) and too visible (targeted for harassment). Lead: Akwesi Osei, with Rachel Aldred who presented it at the 2022 BSA conference.
    • An ‘Equity Fellowship’ project exploring experiences of Women of Colour who cycle, using ‘go-along interviews’ and bell hooks’ work to understand cycling as (among other things) a form of joyful resistance. Lead: Dulce Pedroso, who recorded a two-part ATA podcast on her study.
    • A project funded by Impacts on Urban Health to identify ways to maximise health and wellbeing for cargo bike delivery riders whilst supporting upscaling of cargo bike operators. Lead: Dr. Ersilia Verlinghieri, building on earlier research with Irena Itova analysing impact of a shift from vans to cargo bikes.