Active Mobility Research as Climate Action

There is enough evidence pushing walking and cycling as effective modes to reduce transport emissions. This presentation aims to show the contribution of action research in the field of active mobility with examples from Malta. There is increased pressure for transport systems to change, as currently and without air travel included, they account for more than a quarter of european domestic GHG emissions (EEA, 2021). Transport is a critical social and economic infrastructure for development but the negative externalities are too many and too big to ignore. In looking at change over the past decades we note it was too slow, overtaken by technological or behavioural changes that continue to challenge the need for decarbonisation. And still, much of the current discourse about solutions point to technology and electrification, however very few include changes to mobility practices that would see the effective planning and implementation of “truly” sustainable measures.

The most sustainable forms of urban mobility are walking and cycling. Apart from removing negative environmental and social impacts they improve urban resilience in view of climate change. A policy that supports and promotes walking and cycling is also socially just as the dominating presence of the car is reduced through a fairer distribution of investment, infrastructure and urban space. But how can research be more effective? Action research is defined as a participatory and democratic process concerned with developing practical knowing in the pursuit of worthwhile human purposes. Heron and Reason (2008) define participatory action research as research “with” rather than “on” people. The presentation will showcase the action research projects undertaken in Malta in the field of active mobility, using the ‘car islands’ as a living laboratory. It will discuss the challenges and tackle issues of governance, but also highlight the opportunities from engaging with communities. The presentation will conclude with a critique which hopes to propel more action research on active travel to achieve effective change.