Streets Don't Lie: Why Low-carbon Transport Needs a Behaviour Change Intervention Across Cities in the Global South

Abstract for a Comm Talk from the 2022 International SBCC Summit in Morocco: 

"The need for leapfrogging with approaches that focus mainly on non-motorised ways and public transportation to meet the sustainable agendas, have started gaining traction around the world. There has been an increase in private vehicle ownership per capita in most middle-income and low-income countries in urban areas. This has resulted in an increase in emissions and a corresponding negative effect on public health and the environment. For cities in the Global South especially in India like Delhi, Bombay, Bangalore, Panaji, there has been a large increase in private vehicle ownership and a high motorisation rate. Increased private vehicle ownership rates have resulted in parking issues and traffic problems in the city. There is a need to nudge residents to take non-motorised modes of transport such as walking and cycling which can alleviate stress on the city's transportation system and promote a healthy way of commuting, exercising and leisure. However most cities lack non-motorised transport infrastructure, especially for cycling or walking and most spaces are not inclusive spaces by design. As a way to raise awareness, test solutions and build infrastructure for cycling, PULL conducted numerous experiments offering a range of carrots and sticks aimed at demand generation. The lessons learned have wide-reaching implications for those who work at the interface of behaviour change and climate change. The insights range from how to make 'Public Bike Sharing Cool' to how to generate public consciousness through a series of activities."