Ecorider

The Ecorider program was designed to provide one-on-one support for 20 University staff and students in becoming regular commuting cyclists to the campus in 2010.

The 11 week behaviour change program set out to increase cycling trips to campus, improve fitness, save money, reduce traffic congestion and care for the environment.

The Ecoriders were encouraged and supported via individual email communication and feedback, group training sessions and a communal blog. Improvement was measured through reported cycling trip data captured with bike computers and monthly fitness testing. The riders were also supported with necessary bike equipment and Bike SA training courses, to foster independence and confidence cycling in the city.

In total the Ecoriders completed 803 trips to Uni and in doing so, saved approximately $4,000, 25,890 minutes and 6 tonnes of carbon (based on previous transport behaviour)!

The post program surveys highlighted the successful combination of components to break through the barriers of cycling and foster ongoing sustainable transport habits.

Ecorider Habits to Keep You Going!

1.  Comfort

Many of the Ecoriders had not imagined cycling could be comfortable. Information and equipment was provided to the Ecoriders based on their individual daily routines and requirements. Some of the most valued equipment was panniers, lights and mud guards.

2.  Confidence

Confidence was key. Many Ecoriders had not experienced riding distances or in the city environment. Using the bike computer to track speed and distance combined with regular fitness testing was an obvious sign of personal improvement. Picking up skills in bike courses like turning right at traffic lights and fixing a puncture, vastly improved the confidence levels of the riders. “Training gave me confidence; new cycling equipment (panniers) made it much more convenient; having the cycle computer and seeing the distance clocked helped to make commuting by bike a habit.” Katherine, Ecorider

3.  Community 

If confidence was key, then motivation was the clincher! Being part of a committed cycling community motivated the riders significantly. Discussing some of the barriers and discomforts of cycling like swooping magpies, punctures and rain as a group lifted enthusiasm and maintained cycling efforts. “The biggest barrier for me was motivational. The Ecorider program was a big help by making me part of a group that were all willing riders… When I wasn't riding I felt guilty because I knew the others in the group were and that helped push me to make more of an effort” Renato, Ecorider

Other comments from the Ecoriders:

“I think laziness was a major part of it. I had gotten into a routine that didn't involve cycling. Once I established a new routine I found I enjoyed riding.” Renato, Ecorider

“I received pannier bags and I used one of them everyday except days when we had excursions and needed a backpack.  The pedometer was good too - I like seeing those km's accumulate and also when I first started riding I could only go 8km/h up the hill now I can go up to 14 - I like to know I'm improving.” Leona, Ecorider

“I never drive anymore to Uni.” Victoria, Ecorider

“…I am considering selling my car because I now realise that I can get by with just my bike.” Tara, Ecorider

“I'd been meaning to ride all year but this program was what made me take that first step to get my bike out of the shed.” Leona, Ecorider

The Ecoversity team will be following up with these riders over the next 12 months to see if their cycling habits have changed. The office has found a personal approach to getting staff and students’ cycling is a successful behaviour change model when combined with a sense of community.