BUas Cycling Lab Lunch Sessions, organized by the GREENGAGE partner Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas), kicked off on December 5, 2023. This series of interactive lunch sessions is designed to dive deep into the intricacies of biking, to explore its challenges and unveil its potentials. From mastering the art of bike repair to unraveling the psychology of cycling, these sessions are a blend of ideas and experiences. This is equally a first step towards the installment of the GREENGAGE Observatory in the region of North Brabant.
The Philosophy Behind the Cycling Lab
In today’s world, where sustainability and health are increasingly prioritized, cycling stands out as an excellent mode of transportation. However, various barriers prevent many from adopting it as a daily habit. The BUas Cycling Lab aims to address these barriers by providing valuable insights and practical advice to participants. The BUAS Cycling Lab is more than just a gathering – it’s a lifestyle shift.
Impressions from the First Cycling Lab Session
Contrary to expectations, the event attracted primarily proficient cyclists, each with their own unique perspective on biking. Participants joined the BUas team in the lively discussion where they reflected on their personal sentiments about biking, their travel patterns, and the factors that drive their consideration of alternative modes of transportation.
The discussion included personal anecdotes, scientific obstacles, and cultural or personal differences to understand decision-making processes without influencing them, while encouraging participants to share their goals and objections for future sessions. Eighteen out of twenty participants expressed their intention to continue their journey with the Cycling Lab, eager to tackle their biking challenges head-on.
What to Expect from the BUas Cycling Lab
By the end of these sessions, the BUas team hopes to encourage participants to integrate cycling into their daily routines more frequently. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of their motivations and challenges, practical skills for bike maintenance, and a renewed enthusiasm for cycling.
Implications for the GREENGAGE Observatory
While the session succeeded in fostering discussions and self-reflections, it also highlighted the challenge of motivating participants within a larger GREENGAGE Observatory framework.
Moving forward, the challenge will be to balance the participants’ desire for practical solutions and deeper insights into their decision-making processes with the GREENGAGE Observatory’s goal of gathering valuable quantitative data.
