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Publication
The role of innovation on Bicycle Commuting in Portugal
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| 1.41 MB | Adobe PDF |
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Abstract(s)
New models of innovation and strategies of soft mobility, with the objective of lowering CO2
emissions and noise pollution, eliminate traffic congestion and increase public health, support
the development of sustainable cities. In Portugal, car is the most used mode of transport for
daily commuting and the rate of cycling for everyday travel is 1%, while the average in
Europe is 8%. This research aimed to investigate the role of innovation and its contribution to
the raise of bicycle commuting in Portugal. Methods comprise research mixed methods, both
quantitative and qualitative, based on secondary data research and the elaboration of an online
survey. The analysis of Portuguese public policies, bicycle industry innovations and bike
commuting related initiatives over the past 10 years illustrates how much has been done.
However, that is not enough to enhance bike commuting to the European average levels. It
was, therefore, crucial to understand the commuters’ motives and barriers that undermine the
use of bicycles as a means of transport, as well as innovations that contributed to bike
commuting. Innovative knowledge and innovative technologies applied to the level of bicycle
commuting could lead to disruptive innovation at different levels, such as legislation,
promotion of safety and surveillance, bicycle and accessories, mobile applications and
websites, infrastructures, intermodal transport or initiatives to promote bike as a mode of
transport. The coordination of these innovations and measures, between public and private
sectors, are crucial to make the shift to soft mobility aligned with European policy
orientations.
Description
Keywords
Bicycle commuting Bicycle infrastructure Commuting Cycling Disruptive innovation Public policies Soft mobility