23 May 2014
The science behind bike-friendly cities will be the focus of colloquium hosted by the University of South Australia on May 26 as part of the Velo-City Global Conference being held in Adelaide this month.
Bringing together leaders from government, business and academia, the Scientists for Cycling Colloquium will explore a number of topics surrounding the sustainable mobility movement, including how to produce a cycling culture, the systems behind public bike schemes and cycling safety.
UniSA exercise scientist Professor Kevin Norton, who will be emceeing the event, says the Colloquium will look at the research that underpins bike-friendly public policy and initiatives.
“This is a chance for researchers from across a number of fields - from economics to epidemiology - to come together and find out what we can do to make cycling safer and more sustainable,” Prof Norton says.
“Scientists can play an important role in getting society on their bikes as they provide the hard, evidence-based research that underpins policies on cycling.
“We will look at a whole range of issues, from investigating the best safety measures for cyclists to how safe cycling messages can be successfully promoted and targeted.”
While the number of people getting on their bikes in Australia is rising, Prof Norton warns that the increase in cyclists has also led to an increase in the number of cycling-related injuries and deaths.
“There is good news and not so good news and it’s important that we acknowledge the whole picture,” Prof Norton says.
“We know that cycling has a number of health-related, social and environmental benefits but research has shown that in recent years, there has been a spike in cycling deaths and injuries. This is a growing concern that can’t be ignored - we need to make it safer for people to ride their bikes.”
UniSA is the official Bronze Sponsor of Velo-City Global Conference and the host of the Scientists for Cycling Colloquium. The Colloquium will take place on May 26, 9:30am – 5:00pm at the Bradley Forum, Level 5, Hawke Building, UniSA City West campus.
For a full list of speakers at the Colloquium, go to: http://www.ecf.com/wp-content/uploads/Scientists-for-Cycling-Colloquium-program.pdf
Contact for interview
Kevin Norton office (08) 8302 1503 email kevin.norton@unisa.edu.au
Media Contact
Rosanna Galvin office (08) 8302 0578 mobile 0434 603 457 email rosanna.galvin@unisa.edu.au
