ISCycle News
Insights from the Network City and Landscape Forum and Cycling Research Board Annual Meeting
September 2024
From September 4 to 6, 2024, Zurich became the epicenter of cycling innovation as it hosted the Network City and Landscape (NSL) Forum & Cycling Research Board Annual Meeting (CRBAM).
The NSL Forum, held at ETH Zurich, focused on “Digital Twins for Europe’s Future Mobility.” This theme emphasized the need for designs that prioritize micro-mobility in response to the climate crisis. Keynote speakers and experts discussed the role of digital twins in urban planning, aiming to create more sustainable and efficient cities.
The CRBAM sessions, held on September 5 and 6, featured a variety of interactive formats designed to foster creativity and collaboration. Participants engaged in discussions on innovative methodologies, critical approaches to transport technology, and the promotion of cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.
Anna Barrero presented on ISCYCLE, highlighting the potential for e-bikes to make a significant impact on urban travel patterns. Her talk sparked engaging discussions among attendees, emphasizing the importance of integrating cycling into urban planning to promote healthier, more sustainable cities.
European Health Psychology Society conference
September 2024
James and Louise attended the annual European Health Psychology Society conference in Cascais, Portugal from 2-6 September. Following a two day expert meeting about the future of environmental health psychology, they presented about ISCycle during three conference sessions. James presented an update on findings from the ISCycle trial, outlining progress to-date and interim findings from Site 1. Louise presented qualitative findings from a student project involving data-prompted interviews with ISCycle participants to understand their daily ebike use, as part of the Early Career Researcher Spotlight sessions, and also took part in a roundtable discussion "Think Global Act Local", which considered the role of health psychologists in planning and evaluating local sustainability projects that respond to global environmental issues.
ISCycle Team at HEPA and IPARC conferences: Bridging Sustainability and Health Promotion
August 2024
Part of the ISCycle team recently attended the HEPA and IPARC conferences, connecting with global experts to advance our mission of promoting sustainable behaviors. At HEPA, we explored cutting-edge strategies for enhancing public health through physical activity, while the IPARC conference emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral collaborations for effective health promotion.
Both events highlighted the need to integrate sustainable practices into public health initiatives. Our project aligns seamlessly with these themes, focusing on fostering sustainable behaviors that benefit both the planet and its people. By participating in these conferences, we are gaining valuable insights and building partnerships to further our mission.
Welcome to Dr Anna Barrero
July 2024
Dr Anna Barrero joins the ISCycle team as Postdoctoral Researcher this week. Anna will be leading the ebike loan intervention in workplaces as part of the original ISCycle project. With a background in Sports Physiology, Anna has previously worked on projects relating to ultra-endurance sporting events, as well as physical activity when living with a chronic condition. Welcome Anna!
Welcome to Shauna O'Mahony
June 2024
Shauna O'Mahony joins the ISCycle team as part-time Research Assistant this week. Shauna will be working with the team on a scoping review about cycling among people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. Shauna recently completed her BSc in Psychology at University of Limerick. Welcome Shauna!
UL President's Awards - Yvonne Ryan-Fogarty
June 2024
Congratulations to Dr Yvonne Ryan-Fogarty on her recent President's Staff Excellence Award in Sustainability. This award is in recognition of Yvonne's role across several impactful sustainability initiatives on our campus at University of Limerick and her outstanding contribution to our university community. Well done to Yvonne on your award and thank you for all your work in promoting sustainability!
Mary Robinson Climate Conference, Ballina
June 2024
It's been a busy few weeks for ISCycle! Some members of the team attended the Mary Robinson Climate Conference in Ballina, Co Mayo last week. James Green, Abhilash Singh and Louise Foley co-organised a panel discussion session on e-mobility, and were joined by Dr Lorraine D'Arcy (TU Dublin), Una L'Estrange (Sligo Cycling Campaign) and Prof Brian Caulfield (Trinity College Dublin). The discussion considered the role of micro-mobility and active travel in the transition towards sustainable transport. The conference was a wonderful mix of research projects, community-driven initiatives, keynotes and discussions, across the many domains of climate adaptation and mitigation, within the theme of "A shared response to a shared responsibility".
National Sustainable Mobility Forum, Portlaoise
June 2024
Louise, James and Abhilash recently attended the National Sustainable Mobility Forum in Portlaoise, organised by the Department of Transport. There was a great mix of sessions on the day representing a range of perspectives on sustainable mobility, including youth, community, and researcher voices. It was super to see the Sustainable Mobility Academy launched on the day as well.
SEAI Policy Seminar: Green Mobility, Dublin
May 2024
Interim findings from ISCycle were presented at the SEAI Policy Seminar on green mobility this week. The seminar was attended by colleagues from academia, the SEAI and Department of Transport. As well as our research on ebike use, other talks focused on electric vehicle potential, transport behaviour change, EV charging, and alternative fuels.
Psychology, Health & Medicine Conference, Cork
May 2024
Louise presented results from a student project at the Psychology, Health and Medicine Conference in University College Cork this week. The project involved data-prompted interviews with ISCycle participants, during which they were presented with visual maps of their cycling routes and charts of their cycling frequency, and asked to discuss their experiences of ebiking. James also presented preliminary findings from Site 1 of the ISCycle ebike loan trial.