Know Your Audience: Overcoming Personal Barriers

It is important to be prepared with solutions to the perceived barriers that arise when people consider walking and biking. If you understand these barriers, and are prepared with solutions, you will have greater success.

Lack of Motivation >>> Encourage, motivate, and inspire your people! Promote the many benefits of walking and biking. Provide incentives.

Personal Safety >>> Provide maps and locate the safest routes from home to work, school, and shopping areas. Establish “Bike Buddies,” a “Walking School Bus,” or walking groups. Host a bicycle and pedestrian safety workshop.

Appearance >>> Provide changing rooms, lockers, closets, showers, and extra time for changing and transitioning.

Clothing >>> Assist in acquiring proper biking and walking clothing, such as moisture-wicking base layers, wind breakers, and reflective clothing. Allow employees who bike or walk to meet an alternative dress code.

Not Enough Time >>> Most people have no idea how far a mile really is or how long it takes to travel that far via car, bike, or foot. Often perceived distances and times are much longer than they actually are. Leaders can also allow time at the end of the day for changing back into active commute clothing.

Transporting Belongings >>> Backpacks and shoulder bags can be used while walking and biking, and larger items can be carried in panniers when biking. Even larger items can be carried in bike trailers.

Weather Concerns >>> The weather is often much less of a real barrier than people assume. Good quality clothing, such as wicking base layers and waterproof/breathable rain jackets and pants make being in bad weather much more comfortable.

Not Physically Fit Enough >>> Start small and work your way up! Replace a short car trip with a walking or biking trip. Next time, choose a slightly longer trip.

Lack of Confidence >>> Walk or bike with a friend for support and encouragement. Organize a biking skills workshop at your worksite.

Lack of Awareness of the Best Routes >>> Contact WalkBikeMarin or Marin Bicycle Coalition for walking & biking maps. Devote time at your next meeting or assembly to map out the best routes from people’s homes to work, school, or shops.

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