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ECOMM 2009 Training session:How to involve elderly citizens in
mobility issues Jan Christiaens / Lies Lambert
Research-project MESsAGE:
Mobility and the elderly: successfully ageing in a sustainable transport system
Agenda Introduction to MESsAGE
Engage !
Engaging in an action research on mobility situation of conference centre through role playing game
1. Analysis of black points (round table)2. Development of the action (round table)3. Presentation of the action (plenary)
Closing remarks
Introduction to MESsAGE
research project funded by the Federal Research Programme for sustainable development partners: VUB, ULB, Mobiel 21
OBJECTIVES the extension of the transportation autonomy of older people increase the use of sustainable transport modes within this target group
Introduction to MESsAGEWP1: literature review
WP2: Quantitative research
Analysis surveys on travel behaviour & on needs among
elderly peopleVUB
WP3:Qualitative research
Observations,interviews & collective
discussions with elderly
ULB
WP4:Action research
Pilot participatory methods with elderly
M21
WP5: Integration of research conclusions and policy recommendations
Research questions?
- How often, where to, how and when are elderly citizens mobile?- Are there hindering factors? (individual, social, financial)- How important is mobility for them?- Are there any needs, problems, concerns or wishes?- Can we find solutions?- Does local mobility policy take into account these needs and problems?- How can elderly people influence policy?
Overview
1. Elderly ≠ minority in traffic
1999 = 1/6 Belgians ≥ 65 j.
2010 = 1/4 Belgians ≥ 60 j.
2050 = 1/3 Belgians ≥ 60 j.
THEREFORE…
It’s important to know their mobility pattern, needs, problems and concerns
Overview
2. Elderly people are less mobile
(lesser trips outdoors, lesser long-distance trips, other motives, other times)
BUT…
Next generation = better educated
increased level of welfare
higher life expectancy
healthier for a longer period
→ Higher degree of mobilty and “Ageing in place”
Overview
3. Cars on pole position
car = central role in transportautonomy
BECAUSE… Best answer to diffuse and complexe mobility
needs ( ≠ commuter travel) Feeling of guaranteed security (highest perception
of safety) Most accessible (+ guarantee on accessibility of
destinations)
Overview
4. Elderly pedestrians & cyclists are vulnerable
Involved in an accident → 25% more fatalities and casualties than
average Cyclists over 75 y. → risk of having an accident
becomes very high
THEREFORE…
Risk-avoiding behaviour (cfr. Clever driving management)
= avoid driving after dark, in bad weather conditions or in rush hour, detours to avoid bad footpaths, …
Overview
5. Elderly people = walkers
Walking = specific transport mode
(everybody walks, often in relation with other modes, …
BUT… Feelings of insecurity Conflicts Physical limitations
Overview
6. Needs, concerns, wishes? More courtesy among road users, bus drivers, .. Design of public space
Infrastructure at busstops, points of rest, footpaths, …
Traffic management Traffic lights, pedestrian crossings
Tailored information & education
Action-research?
Specific research methodology which conducts research:
“… which involves all relevant parties in actively examining together current action in order to change and improve it.” Wadsworth, Y. (1998)
Participative Action Research
• Action research Five sites (Sint-Truiden, Leuven, Brussel, Gembloux, Mons) Same cyclical process (needs analysis, planning, implementation
and evaluation) Common monitoring and evaluation framework (survey and group
evaluation)
• General Variety of backgrounds, group compositions and group dynamics Duration: between 7 months and one year (5-10 meetings)
Results of action research
• Needs Analysis
Sint-truiden Leuven Mons Gembloux Brussels
Courtesy
Tailored and targeted information on PT
Courtesy
Respect on busesFocus on youth
Infrastructure
Courtesy
Citizen participation
Lack of info about needs and desires of elderly population
Accessibility of PT
Courtesy
Congestion, Noise pollution
Results of action research• Actions
Sint-Truiden Leuven Mons Gembloux Brussels
Survey towards elderly population on needs concerning information and information channels
Articles on PT-info (written by the AR-group) published in city magazine
Campaign on courtesy in buses of Leuven (posters and postcards)
Scrap-book with pictures and explanation on black points
Round-table with policy-makers
Scientific survey on needs and desires concerning mobility
Guided tour on Brussel’s PT –network in presence of Ministry of Transport and PT-providers
Main findings (1)
• Needs analysis Information on public transport
Lack of tailored and targeted information Complexity of the public transport system Problematic accessibility of the pt system
Referral to infrastructure Sidewalks and cycle lanes Roundabouts and crossing Lighting
Lack of courtesy and respect
Main findings (2)
• Action External coaching is needed Support of local authorities or senior organisations Good welcome (location, atmosphere) Clear step-by-step plan
Talking phase is very important Clear division of tasks Continuous process Evaluation and follow-up
• Conclusion Mobility matters! Elderly are willing to participate and to give their opinion. Elderly can act themselves and stand up for themselves Elderly want to be listened to and believed in by authorities.
Results of action research
• Why use action research in your community Innovative approach on participation (from complaints to co-
production of policy measures) Improve involvement of elderly citizens in your local policy Hands-on, pragmatic methodology In-depth analysis Input for local policy Competence building of elderly citizens and local
policymakers
Engage !
PART 1: analysis of black points Check your identity-card Try to discuss as much problems as possible
Accessibility Quality of environment Safety
Write them down Try to prioritise
Engage !
PART 2: Development of the action Choose one action-theme Discuss action
Method Target Target group Division of tasks Stakeholders
Try to be as ‘real’ as possible
Engage !
PART 3: presentation of the action Present your action Process Why is your action likely to have serious
impact?
Closing remarks
• What do you take home?
• What would you suggest to improve?
Thank you for your attention and cooperation !
www.mobiel21.be
Jan Christiaens Lies Lambert
