2024 PhD Project
About The Project
Whether residents choose to cycle, walk, or use e-scooters for their daily commutes or short journeys, the introduction of e-bikes, in addition to the ongoing e-scooter trial, aims to enhance mobility and accessibility within Nottingham. Nottingham is one of the most popular e-bike and e-scooter trial locations, particularly among young people, and Nottingham City Council are committed to supporting diverse forms of what is known as “micromobility” throughout the city to reduce traffic congestion and reliance on car travel.
However, there is a significant issue in that a considerable number of these modes of transport are not being ridden in accordance with existing legislation, leading to negative attitudes and reluctance among residents to embrace these micromobility options. While safety measures exist for both bicycles and e-scooters, there is a notable absence of formal training programs to educate users on safe riding practices. Despite the rising popularity of these modes of transportation, research concerning the causes of collisions and strategies to minimize these is limited.
To address these challenges, this project will identify the barriers individuals face when considering micromobility and explore motivations for using e-bikes and e-scooters and the factors which deter them from doing so. The research project will assess and compare the attitudes, skills, and transportation habits of diverse demographic groups within the community. Subsequently, the project, which is supported by a partnership with Nottingham City Council, looks to develop an evidence-based approach to educate both current users and non-users on the safe and effective use of micromobility.
This research will engage with local e-bike and e-scooter users and non-users, with a particular focus on three target groups: university students, local secondary school students, and residents. The project hopes to raise awareness about micromobility, enhance its appeal and practicality for users, and strengthen safety measures to promote its adoption as a sustainable and safe mode of transportation within Nottingham.
Project Aims
The overall aims of this project are:
- To identify the obstacles that local residents face when considering micromobility, exploring barriers to and motivations for using e-bikes and e-scooters
- To evaluate whether initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing training on the safe usage of e-scooters and e-bikes can make micromobility more appealing to local residents
- To develop an evidence-based approach aimed at educating both current users and non-users on the safe and effective use of micromobility. This educational intervention will aim to raise awareness about micromobility, enhance its appeal and practicality for users, and bolster its safety measures.
The Project Team
- PhD Candidate: Lauren Baker, NTU
- Lead Academic Supervisor: Dr Petya Ventsislavova Petrova, NTU
- Academic Co-Supervisor: Dr Elizabeth Sheppard, UoN
- Community Supervisor: Iain Turner, Nottingham City Council