Workshop - Bike Bus as a Campaigning Tool, Duncan Dollimore, Mireia Piqueras, Sophie Gordon (Part 2)

Summary

The transcript discusses the development of a bike bus program in Barcelona's Champla neighborhood, aiming to promote cycling and improve urban mobility for schoolchildren. The speaker emphasizes the importance of community involvement and highlights the role of influence mapping to gain support from local authorities, schools, and media. Reflecting on personal growth through the initiative, the speaker urges persistence in pushing for policy changes that support cycling. The conversation also explores strategies to address opposition and shift negative perceptions of cyclists, aiming for long-term success in creating sustainable transportation alternatives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The bike bus initiative in Barcelona aims to promote cycling by using a school bus model where children cycle together under adult supervision.
• 😀 In some cities like Tarasa, a protocol exists where complaints against dangerous driving can be reported with the vehicle number plate to authorities, who then reach out to the driver for education rather than punishment.
• 😀 The bike bus in Barcelona has been successful in terms of volunteer involvement, participation, and acceptance, but there is a desire to continue improving and evolving the project.
• 😀 The importance of maintaining a forward-looking approach and not settling for the status quo is emphasized in the development of sustainable cycling programs.
• 😀 The bike bus initiative is not only about cycling but also about creating community bonds and sharing experiences with others, fostering personal connections and growth.
• 😀 The speaker shares personal reflections about growing older and younger through involvement with the bike bus, highlighting how the initiative brings joy to both adults and children.
• 😀 There is a push for a more mature approach to policy change in cities, involving continuous efforts to persuade policymakers to implement better cycling infrastructure and programs.
• 😀 Participants are encouraged to think about ways to influence local decision-makers, using strategies such as influence mapping to identify who has the power to support cycling initiatives.
• 😀 Influence mapping involves assessing the level of influence and stance of various individuals or groups on cycling issues, helping to strategize how to shift their opinions toward positive change.
• 😀 Practical examples, such as engaging with local school headteachers or community bike recycling projects, are suggested as ways to build support for cycling initiatives in local areas.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the discussed protocol for dealing with problematic drivers?

The main focus is creating a protocol where citizens can report problematic drivers by noting their license plate, and the police would then contact the driver to explain the complaints, rather than issuing fines, to encourage awareness and communication.

Where is the pilot project for the new bike bus protocol being tested?

The pilot project is being tested in the Champla neighborhood of Barcelona.

What positive outcomes are hoped for from the bike bus project in Barcelona?

The bike bus project in Barcelona is expected to have positive outcomes such as increased participation, volunteer involvement, and general acceptance, while also encouraging the development of cycling-friendly infrastructure and policies.

What does the speaker hope for in relation to the bike bus project in Lisbon next year?

The speaker hopes that by next year, the bike bus project in Lisbon will be successful and they will have good news to share about its progress.

Why does the speaker believe that they cannot remain in a 'status quo' with the bike bus project?

The speaker believes that while the bike bus project has had successes, it needs to evolve and mature, and there should always be efforts to move forward and push for more comprehensive changes in cycling policies.

What personal benefits has the speaker experienced from the bike bus project?

The speaker has grown both older and younger through the bike bus project—gaining maturity from meeting new people and sharing visions of life, while also feeling younger by enjoying the simple pleasure of cycling with kids to school and forming friendships.

What challenge does the speaker highlight about involving politicians in the bike bus initiative?

The speaker mentions that while politicians may be eager for photo opportunities, the real challenge is to convince them of the importance and long-term benefits of the bike bus project and similar cycling initiatives.

What is influence mapping, and how is it used in the discussion?

Influence mapping is a tool used to identify key individuals or groups who can help promote or influence the success of a project. It maps out how much influence people have and their stance on the project, allowing the team to strategize on how to shift attitudes and gain support.

Who are some examples of people that might be targeted for influence in the bike bus project?

Examples include the head teacher of a school, who could spread the word within the school community, or a bike recycling project that could provide bikes for the initiative. Local media could also be targeted to publish positive stories about cycling.

How does the influence map help in the promotion of cycling initiatives?

The influence map helps identify individuals or organizations that can either support or hinder the project. It helps strategize on how to shift influential individuals' views and gain their support for cycling initiatives by understanding their stance and the impact they can have.