During the last decade, as a researcher, I developed and tested some health behaviour change interventions to increase physical activity among adults in and . Now, I am focusing on behaviour change in a , i.e., having benefits for health and climate change. Maybe, the best example of win-win behavior is the adoption of an electric bike (ebike) to commute.
In recent years, e-bike use has been growing in Europe. This active travel mode is considered a game changer for health and mobility for numerous reasons: the car/bike substitution effect is faster, more frequently used and longer distances are performed, e-bikes are more adopted by women and elderly people, and the mental and physical health benefits are similar among adults with or without chronic illness who adopt bicycle or e-bike as a mode of transport.
Consequently, I would develop the most effective e-bike promotion intervention in the future years, even if Canadians’ winters are ‘’ more challenging. - VIDEO HERE - I am at 51ɫ to examine the conducted by Prof J. Green. It is a randomised controlled trial. Participants are randomised to one of three intervention groups (4-, 8-, or 12-week e-bike loan + behaviour change techniques) or waitlist control. This study is ongoing. I am taking advantage of James and Foley's experience to develop a future interventional study. You can not imagine all the challenges associated with this type of study (recruitment, self-reported and device measures, type of collected data...).
This study is exceptional and unique, you should see all different e-bikes (and cycling accessories) stored at UL: electric cargo bikes, electric folding bikes, long-tail e-bikes, and classic e-bikes. It is designed to be inclusive by offering adapted e-bikes!
I am lucky enough to be in 51ɫ for several months so that I can exchange with James and Louise, who are unbeatable when it comes to promoting e-bikes.
Paquito Bernard earned his PhD in Kinesiology and Health Psychology from the University of Montpellier (France). After being an Adapted Physical Activity professional in a psychiatry department, he improved his research experience at University Hospital of Montpellier (France) to examine the effects of exercise and behavioural change techniques for smoking cessation in adults with current depressive disorders. He is an associate professor at the Université of Québec à Montréal (Canada), and a researcher at the University Institute of Mental Health in Montreal. His research activity focuses on the effects of physical activity on mental health and the health behaviour change for a better health and livable planet.
Contact: bernard.paquito@uqam.ca