Research and Monitoring
Sustrans' Research and Monitoring Unit has pioneered the development of monitoring and evaluation techniques for sustainable and active modes of transport. We monitor and evaluate outcomes and assess the impacts of Sustrans' work, and we evaluate the interventions of partners and clients across the UK. We also undertake research and evaluation collaborations with consultant and academic groups.
Our aim is to establish effective, valid and rigorous ways of measuring the effectiveness of a wide range of interventions. Along with others, we are developing a robust body of evidence assessing the value of sustainable and active mode travel.
Our services
- development of outcome evaluation frameworks and logic mapping to ensure evaluation is fit for purpose
- monitoring and evaluation of geographically defined interventions at the local, city, regional or national level
- monitoring and evaluation of motivational and/or environmental change schemes
- quantitative and qualitative data collection including surveys, interviews and focus groups
- consultancy advice on research and wider evidence
- facilitating, supporting and participating in primary research projects.
Our experience extends across many monitoring and evaluation themes, using a variety of tools. Examples include the potential impact of interventions on CO2 efmissions and counts of cyclists and/or pedestrian trips to measure change in user numbers. We also have experience in using tools to demonstrate support to the local economy (including economic appraisal) and the level of physical activity change and impact on health. To find out more you can explore what monitoring tools do we use or contact us
News
I Bike
I Bike is a practical project that delivers an intensive pro-cycling educational programme to schools in Scotland. The project was established in 2009 and ran as a two year pilot in Edinburgh and Perth.
The ‘summary report from the pilot project’ demonstrates that I Bike successfully met the specific aims of the project to increase cycling to school among female pupils and to counter the decline in cycling to school from primary school to secondary school. The project also delivered an overall increase in cycling to school and wider benefits such as an increase in physical activity among pupils and their parents.
I Bike is currently being delivered in Edinburgh, Perth and Fife.
FEAT 1st
The FEAT 1st pilot project was designed and delivered by Sustrans in partnership with North Tyneside Council and was been funded by North of Tyne NHS.
The ‘summary report of the pilot project’ demonstrates that FEAT 1st successfully met the aims of the project to increase active travel to school and to increase overall levels of physical activity among pupils and their parents. At the intervention school there was a 22.4 percentage point shift from sedentary to active travel and reported levels of physical activity among those pupils who made this shift to active travel more than doubled. Research with parents indicates that the project has also had a positive impact on parents’ travel behaviour and level of physical activity.
Solutions for Life: Annual Review 2010
Sustrans annual review 2010 is now available for more information on all our work please download our 2010 Annual Review (pdf) / Cymraeg (pdf).
New research funding opportunity on LSTF from NIHR
The National Institute for Health Research has, at Sustrans' behest, agreed to inform the research community that they are actively interested in receiving research proposals that enable us to make best use of the opportunity afforded by the Local Sustainable Transport Fund. The researcher led call can be found on the NIHR website at http://www.phr.nihr.ac.uk/fundingopportunities/Local_Sustainable_Transport_Fund. The call is also featured on the Department for Transport's LSTF pages at http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/local-sustainable-transport-fund-guidance-on-the-application-process.
Walking and cycling outcomes for Sustrans in Scotland Report
Results from three years of Scottish Government grants to develop and promote the National Cycle Network in Scotland show that there has been a 44% increase in the number of walking and cycling trips on it in Scotland in just three years. Just over 28 million walking and cycling trips were made on the Network in 2007 which has increased to nearly 41 million trips in 2010. The usage of short local links on the Network, following the ‘Tackling the School Run’ schemes, has also increased by 49% from 1.8 million trips in 2008 to 2.7 million trips in 2010. Find out more and download the Walking and cycling outcomes for Sustrans in Scotland: assessment against Key Performance Indicators report
Free Range Kids Report
Sustrans wants to see independent and active travel back at the heart of childhood. We want to see a focus on creating free range kids – children and young people who experience freedom from their front door, and who have the confidence to travel independently, play outdoors and explore their local community, and have the skills, opportunities and support to do so safely.
Find out more and download our Free Range Kids report (pdf)/Cymraeg (pdf) which demonstrates the potential for enabling children to be out and about on foot, bike and for play, and the benefits of this to tackling congestion and increasing levels of physical activity.
Moving towards smarter travel?
This Sustrans/Friends of the Earth report provides an objective, quantitative assessment of the latest Local Transport Plans. It reveals how much Central Government funding is being invested by English Local Authorities in proven and effective ways of achieving more sustainable travel.