Cycle4Climate Explores Creative Cycling Interventions at UnBoxed 2026

On 5 October, the Cycle4Climate project was represented at UnBoxed 2026, an international conference hosted by Riga Technical University (RTU) Design Factory in Riga. Organised within the Design Factory Global Network, the conference brought together educators, researchers, and innovation practitioners to share practical methods and experiences in creative problem-solving, collaborative design, and experimentation.

Andra Marta Babre and Emīls Rode from Riga Technical University presented an interactive demonstration titled “Design to Nudge Cycling”, drawing on two years of experience from the Cycle4Climate project. The presentation explored how participatory design methods can support municipalities in developing creative interventions that encourage residents to cycle instead of driving. Particular attention was given to the challenges of translating innovative ideas into municipal action, as institutional processes often favour familiar, lower-risk measures.

The demonstration included a 20-minute brainstorming session, during which participants worked in groups to develop cycling interventions for different target groups. Proposed ideas included gamified cycling campaigns for schoolchildren, workplace cycling incentives and tax benefits for commuters, cycling meetups and excursions for seniors, secure bicycle storage and maintenance facilities, and the transformation of city centres to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.

The session provided an opportunity to reflect on how creative ideas can be developed into feasible interventions that municipalities could integrate into their regular practices. The discussions offered fresh perspectives on encouraging behavioural change and supporting more cycling-friendly urban environments.