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 MESsAGE
WP1: literature review
WP2: Quantitative
research
Analysis surveys
on travel behaviour
& on needs among
elderly people
WP3:Qualitative
research
Observations,
interviews & collective
discussions with
elderly
VUB
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 →
 Cyclists over 75 y.
→
25% more fatalities and
casualties than average
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
Courtesy
Infrastructure
Accessibility of
PT
Tailored and
targeted
information on
PT
Respect on
buses
Focus on youth
Courtesy
Lack of info
about needs
and desires of
elderly
population
Citizen
participation
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
Campaign on
courtesy in buses
of Leuven
(posters and
postcards)
Scrap-book with
pictures and
explanation on
black points
Scientific survey
on needs and
desires
concerning
mobility
Guided tour on
Brussel’s PT –
network in
presence of
Ministry of
Transport and
PT-providers
Articles on PTinfo (written by
the AR-group)
published in city
magazine
Round-table with
policy-makers
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

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

External coaching is needed
Support of local authorities or senior organisations
Good welcome (location, atmosphere)
Clear step-by-step plan



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Talking phase is very important
Clear division of tasks
Continuous process
Evaluation and follow-up
• Conclusion



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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 coproduction 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




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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
[email protected]
[email protected]