Overview
FlexiTrike aims at delivering a comprehensive package of measures to (re)attract people to cycling. This is achieved by developing user group specific cycling offers. The package contains a tilting three-wheeled pedelec (for added stability), bicycle trainings (to lower the entry barrier) and comfort-oriented routing (to support autonomy and subjective safety).
Active Mobility is going to be more and more important in future due to environmental, public health and many other reasons. This fact has started to influence city planners and governments, which are trying to foster active mobility through walking- and cycling-friendly infrastructure measures and campaigns. However, the initial barrier to (re)start cycling after a long break is high.
Often people have the desire to ride a bicycle, but strong safety concerns which hinder the switch. In addition to this lack of sense of security the fear of unknown routes or problems with the balance when using classical two-wheeled bicycles can be problematic. To reduce perceived uncertainty with regards to unknown environments and sharing the road with motorized vehicles choosing the right route can make a big difference.
Classic three-wheeled bicycles (tricycles) are a promising approach to tackle balance problems, but their behaviour in curves is inflexible and unstable. In addition, their reputation is poor especially among younger audiences, which is mainly due unattractive designs. In order to solve the before-mentioned challenges, a comprehensive definition of target groups including their specific requirements and usage patterns for three-wheeled pedelecs, bicycle trainings and routing is created.
Based on the results of Fit2Trike a tilting three-wheeled pedelec for increased ease of manoeuverability and stability in curves is implemented as a prototype. Such a tricycle can be used as a therapeutic and sports equipment but also as a mean of transport for daily routine trips. In addition, bicycle trainings tailored to the needs of the identified target groups are developed to increase the ability to ride a bicycle in everyday traffic and to lower the barrier to start cycling. Another important element of flexiTrike is the provision of comfort-oriented bicycle routes that help inexperienced to gain confidence, a sense of security and autonomy.