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Limerick Smarter Travel Research Portfolio
A report documenting the collation of quantitative data and the
creation of sustainable and re-imagined event strategies.
To raise the profile of Limerick Smarter Travel and infuse a vibrant and
engaging atmosphere into events through innovative and inclusive
strategies.
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Table of Contents
The “Fuinneamh” team and roles..........................................................................................................4
Limerick Smarter Travel Report – Timeline...........................................................................................5
Introduction............................................................................................................................................6
Who We Are........................................................................................................................................6
The Fuinneamh Mission Statement....................................................................................................6
The aim of this report .........................................................................................................................6
Key Questions Guiding our Research Approach: ................................................................................6
Description of Research Methods .........................................................................................................7
Quantitative:.......................................................................................................................................7
Qualitative:..........................................................................................................................................7
Audience Groups....................................................................................................................................8
Research Tools........................................................................................................................................9
Questionnaires:...................................................................................................................................9
Interviews: ..........................................................................................................................................9
Why these tools were used?...............................................................................................................9
Questionnaire:................................................................................................................................9
Interview:........................................................................................................................................9
Questionnaire Process .........................................................................................................................11
What Worked....................................................................................................................................11
What didn’t work? ............................................................................................................................11
What was a challenge .......................................................................................................................11
What did we need to change and refine ..........................................................................................12
Key Research Findings:.........................................................................................................................13
Analysis of interview.........................................................................................................................17
Issues that occurred .............................................................................................................................18
Participant issues: .............................................................................................................................18
Programme issues:............................................................................................................................18
Marketing and Communication issues: ............................................................................................19
Event strategies....................................................................................................................................20
Cycling:..............................................................................................................................................20
Walking: ............................................................................................................................................20
Public Transport:...............................................................................................................................21
Other strategy notes:........................................................................................................................22
Value Proposition:................................................................................................................................23
Conclusion: ...........................................................................................................................................24
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Appendix 1: Questionnaire version 1..................................................................................................25
Appendix 2: Questionnaire version 2..................................................................................................28
Appendix 3: Questionnaire version 3 (final version) ..........................................................................31
Appendix 4:...........................................................................................................................................33
Interview with Qristina Bachand ......................................................................................................33
Appendix 5: Summaries of LST Questionnaire Data ...........................................................................37
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The “Fuinneamh” team and roles
Fuinneamh Team Roles
Eilish Murrihy
Input and analysis of quantitative data, reflection
on and analysis of audience group, formatting of
tables
Eimear Redmond
Note taking at meetings, classroom collection and
analysis of quantitative data, Bike Doctor
quantitative and qualitative research
Fiona Mackey
Quantitative and qualitative research at Bike
Doctor, external research for events, reflection on
research process, conclusion of document
Patrick Judge
Interview, transcription of interview, analysis of
qualitative data
Sam McMahon
Head editor, mission statement, cycling events,
conclusion of document
Sinéad Ní Fhátharta
Classroom collection, author of title and tagline,
input and analysis of quantitative data, value
propositions, formatting of document
Tomás Nelson
Analysis of quantitative data, chart and graph
designer
Yuyu Chien
Event strategies and value proposition, external
research for events
Collective Roles
Devising research methodologies.
Trial runs of questionnaires.
Distributing the questionnaire in various locations.
Analysis of questionnaires.
Processing collected data.
Researching event strategies.
Collecting suggestions of events.
Informal interviews whilst in the field
·Editing and composing the report.
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Limerick Smarter Travel Report – Timeline
Limerick Smarter Travel Report - Timeline
Date Task Notes
7th October 2015
First meeting on LST audience research
project
14th October 2015 Brainstorming on design methods
21st October 2015 Mission statement and tagline Brainstorming
22nd October
2015
Mission statement and tagline,
questionnaire V. 1 composition, trial run of
questionnaire
Questions to be omitted,
questionnaire version 2 to be
created
28th October 2015 2nd trial run of questionnaire
Questions to be omitted,
questionnaire version 3 to be
created
30th October 2015
- 6th November
2015
Roll out of questionnaire V. 3. Questionnaire
distribution in classrooms, on foot and bike
doctor
Input of data of
questionnaires, analysis of
data
18th November
2015
Formal interview with existing LST event
goer Transcription of interview
27th November
2015 Compostion of LST report Graphs of data to be created
30th November
2015 LST report edited, proof read, and finalised
3rd December
2015 Submission of LST report
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Introduction
Who We Are
The Irish word fuinneamh translates to energy, and we thought this title matched the ethos of
Limerick Smarter Travel. We also like its play on the word “fun” which led to the creation of the
following tag line:
“Let’s put the fun in fuinneamh’’
The Fuinneamh Mission Statement
To raise the profile of Limerick Smarter Travel and infuse a vibrant and
engaging atmosphere into events through innovative and inclusive strategies.
(Here on out Limerick Smarter Travel is referred to as ‘LST’)
The aim of this report
The aim of this report is to explore participation at LST events and to identify what changes and
improvements can be made to increase the number of attendees at LST events.
Key Questions Guiding our Research Approach:
How can we increase awareness and engagement with LST?
How can we revitalise and re-engage students and staff with LST?
How can we renew appreciation for LST events?
How can we use events as a medium for communicating increased engagement and
awareness of LST?
How can we enhance communication between LST and existing and potential audience groups
through the events programme?
How can we create fun and interesting events?
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Description of Research Methods
Before identifying our research method we decided to approach the project with key design process
initiatives:
We wanted to maintain the interest of the existing LST audiences while attempting to
enhance involvement from the potential audience base, by designing an effective event
strategy.
Through the collation of data from the existing and potential audience, we obtained
information about their experiences and their needs for event satisfaction.
This data was gathered before the conception of an events strategy so that the needs and
experiences of respondents could be addressed in order to inform a successful and
effective events strategy.
This event design process involved the implementation of a mixed methodology consisting
of qualitative and quantitative methods to identify the needs and experiences of existing
and potential audiences.
Quantitative:
The quantitative method included developing questionnaires (See appendices 1, 2 and 3). This
methodology enabled us to gather data which would alter our perspective of the events, in such a
way that we may see them as a key component in connecting with the audiences. This method
identified the audience’s needs and experiences, resulting in the collection of information that
would help us inform the event design. The secondary research that was provided to us by the LST
team also included quantitative results which created a baseline for comparison. Quantitative
research methods, such as the questionnaires we used, were both cost and time effective.
Qualitative:
We carried out informal interviews on students and one formal interview which was recorded from a
LST events attendee. This enabled us to gather further information that was not garnered in the
questionnaire. This qualitative approach allowed for a better understanding of respondents who
maintain an active participation at LST events.
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Audience Groups
We established two sample groups;
1. Students from the North Campus of UL.
2. Students who have previously attended LST events/bike doctor.
We agreed on these two different sample groups in order to reach existing and potential
participants. We decided to collect the data from the Irish World Academy and surroundings,
because reaching a larger sample group was an unrealistic goal considering the time constraints
involved in this project.
The first sample group, students from the north campus of UL are based furthest from the main
entrance of the university. A number of individuals in this group have the added difficulty of carrying
instruments daily. We approached the second sample group, students who have previously attended
LST events/bike doctor, in order to obtain feedback on previous events. We wanted to find out what
events were already taking place and use this information to compare with the data collected from
the first group. We then analysed findings from both sample groups in order to come up with event
strategies.
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Research Tools
Questionnaires:
Questionnaires were the primary research tool used for data collection. The questionnaire
was compiled through a process of selecting and refining a list of specific questions. These
questionnaires were then given to students through several methods:
1. The questionnaires were given to students during lectures. In each instance the lecturer
was aware of the project and set aside time specifically for students to fill out the questionnaires.
We found this method to be the most effective in getting the most feedback.
2. Another approach used in order to control the validity of the sample, was to give a
questionnaire to every fourth person coming through the Irish World Academy building foyer. This
method presented challenges in obtaining feedback, however, it was still effective in collecting
relevant data.
3. We approached students standing in line for the Bike Doctor in the students’ union, which
produced positive results in regards to the amount of feedback; 1 out of 6 students refused the
questionnaire.
Interviews:
A second research tool used was interviewing (See appendix for transcript). Due to
scheduling conflicts we could not attend any of the LST events ourselves. We decided instead to
interview an individual who had attended LST events multiple times. This method was effective in
providing valuable insight into an actual LST event. This method also allowed us to obtain answers to
specific questions about the structure of the events. The process of interviewing was also conducive
to asking follow up questions and allowed for elaboration in answers given by the interviewee.
Informal interviews were also carried out during the questionnaire trials to identify any
issues or difficulties with any of the questions. During this process we were also able to ascertain any
knowledge these individuals had of any LST events.
Why these tools were used?
Questionnaire:
The questionnaires were chosen as a tool because they allowed us access to a large sample
of data, in a timely and cost effective manner. The resulting data of the questionnaires would
provide an overview of the target audience’s perspective of and experience with LST. From this
gathered pool of data we could pull strands of experience and knowledge which could be used to
strategically build ideas for LST events moving forward.
Interview:
The interview was chosen as a tool because it allowed us to ask direct and precise questions
in response to problematic themes that were consistently observed in the data obtained from
questionnaires. Specifically, we found that the majority of questionnaires showed that participants
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knew nothing or very little about what LST does or offers. The interview process provided us with a
means to question what specifically was appealing about LST events in their current incarnation for
the interviewee. This information provides insight into the successful and involving elements
currently seen in LST events, which can be incorporated into a plan of restructuring LST events with
the aim of expanding the audience base.
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Questionnaire Process
What Worked
We created three versions of the questionnaire before we were satisfied with the data they yielded.
With each version distributed, we made subsequent changes to layout and question structure based
on the suggestions and feedback of the respondents who had filled them out. We were most
satisfied with the third version of the questionnaire as we felt it was the most successful in collecting
quantitative data.
We found that approaching people directly and asking them to fill out the questionnaire yielded
more responses than giving the lecturers the questionnaires to circulate in their classes. In the
instances of approaching students ourselves, we received feedback on the questionnaires in relation
to unclear wording and collected further qualitative data through interacting with the students.
Through engaging with the students we identified the information that our questionnaires did not
allow us to obtain and adjusted them accordingly.
Attending the Bike Doctor allowed us access to the students who already interacted with LST. As
they were waiting for their bikes to be fixed, these students were more agreeable to filling out our
questionnaires and giving us feedback.
What didn’t work?
Initially, we decided to target and survey a sample group consisting of a larger student body and
faculty. Upon consideration of time constraints and resources, we soon realised this was an
unrealistic approach. As a result of this, we decided to narrow our sample group down to students
on the north campus. We subsequently narrowed this down again to students in the Irish World
Academy. As students from other faculties eat lunch in the cafe of the Irish World Academy building,
we ended up with a sample group consisting of both Irish World Academy students and students
from surrounding buildings. We didn’t originally intend to target students outside of the Irish World
Academy but we felt the resulting sample was a more realistic representation of the student body.
In a class setting we found that students were less likely to return the questionnaires unless we were
there in person to collect them or they would return them at a later stage individually which was
inefficient when we were under time restraints. Going into classes before they finished with the
course director proved to be a more practical approach.
What was a challenge
We initially planned on attending LST events to understand the experience as a participant and to
ask the other attendees for feedback on the event through qualitative interview and administering
questionnaires. Unfortunately we did not get a chance to attend these events due to time
constraints. In order to rectify this, we decided to attend a Bike Doctor session on a Tuesday
afternoon. We asked the people in the queue to fill out the questionnaires and they were happy to
do so.
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What did we need to change and refine
In order to refine the questionnaire we attempted two trial runs of administering it. We took note of
the questions people were having difficulty understanding. We then omitted troublesome questions
in the event that they yielded irrelevant data. We altered the wording in particular questions to
heighten their effectiveness and clarity.
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Key Research Findings:
LST’s primary method of communication is email. The quantitative data we obtained from
questionnaires revealed that although the preferred method of communication is email, the
qualitative data suggested that this method was excessive and repetitive. Over a third of
respondents highlighted that they had little or no information on what it is LST does (see
table 1).
Table 1: Preferred method of communication
The second most preferred method of communication is social media.
The data revealed that the majority of respondents preferred social style events compared
to competitive style events. The most popular categories of events included music, drinks
and nature (see tables 2 and 3).
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Table 2: Event Styles
Table 3: Event Categories
The data revealed most students who live less than 3km from campus preferred to walk and
were satisfied with their primary mode of transport (see table 4).
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Table 4: Primary mode of transport
We noted of the 66 participants questioned, 47 participants attended a UL associated event
(see table 5).
Out of the 66 questioned, 53 said they would be interested in attending an event outside of
their academic hours (see table 6).
Of the 66 questioned only 6 said they would a LST event (see table 7).
Table 5: Attendance at UL Associated Events
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Table 6: Interest in Attend Events outside Academic Hours
Table 7: Attendance of LST Events
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Analysis of interview
The interview provided some interesting insights regarding LST from the perspective
of someone who is familiar with LST. The interviewee was someone who attended several LST
events, specifically the bike tour of Limerick City as well as visits to the bike doctor and bike repair
workshops. The emails were also reported to be excessive and repetitive by this individual who is
supportive and in favour of LST. Though the interviewee was interested in receiving information
about upcoming events and updates regarding LST the repetitive nature of the emails hindered this
communication. Not only were the emails themselves considered excessive, but the consistently
recurring content was described as “off putting,” resulting in an adopted reaction to quickly delete
the email along with any information it was hoping to transmit.
Another interesting point from the interview to be considered when restructuring events is
the nature of the events themselves and how they are presented. From the data collected from the
interview, the participant found multiple day events to be less appealing than single day events.
However, it was stated that they would certainly be more willing to attend a “kick-off” style event
such as an opening ceremony which promoted a multi-day event. This seems to imply that a single
event may be an effective way to jumpstart a long term event, drawing a larger volume of
participants while simultaneously creating a means for collectively informing and thus engaging
participants in multi-day events.
A final point of information yielded from the interview is the several useful resources that
the interviewee identified. Some examples of these are the bike doctor, the bike repair workshop,
the bike lockers in the city centre, and the tool/repair kits available to the public. Considering that
the quantitative data suggests respondents have a significant lack of knowledge of the services and
events offered by LST, this final point should be considered as a crucial element to be included in any
attempt to improve communication as well as event appeal to UL students.
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Issues that occurred
Participant issues:
Based on the results of our research regarding perception of LST events (6 out of 66 questioned
stated that they would go to a LST event), we suggest that you critically review your event strategies.
Considering that 47 out of 66 students stated that they would attend UL associated events and 53
stated that they would attend events outside of academic hours, the data seems to suggest that a
larger potential target market exists but it is not being reached.
Programme issues:
Looking at the statistics obtained from the questionnaires we noticed that more people were
interested in social style events instead of competitive style events. The majority of people were
interested in music, nature and going out for drinks (see table 3 above). Based on this data we would
suggest building the events on themed strategies. These themes can be used as a hook to attract a
wider audience to participate in your events.
Image 1:
Image 2:
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Marketing and Communication issues:
The data revealed that 44 participants are aware of LST, 23 of which were introduced to LST via
email. This would suggest that LST’s presence is visible, however of the 66 questioned, 41 suggested
that they know nothing about LST beyond its name. This would indicate that emails are being
received however people are not reading them. Email communication still remains the most
preferred means of contact, however feedback indicates that emails are being deleted due to
repetitiveness and excessiveness. We strongly suggest the introduction of a value proposition to
incentivise people to open the emails. We recommend the distribution of weekly themed podcasts
which would relate to themed walking events exploring aural multisensory experiences. The
Loiterers Resistance Movement developed a multi-sensory project of events such as The Sensual
City, The All Seeing City and The Heart of The City:
(http://homemcr.org/event/multi-sensory-walks/)
Considering our target audience is ranged between 17 and 29 years of age, a current and fun
marketing strategy should be implemented. Guerrilla or experimental marketing would be a very
effective method in reaching your audience. Flash laughter yoga on public transportation, not only is
fun, but it will draw attention and, with the aid of branded t-shirts and a camera phone, this free
event could go viral via a variety of social media platforms. An example of a flash laughter yoga
session can be viewed below:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeauvE1M7qc)
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Event strategies
According to the data collected, UL students are comprised of cyclists, walkers and users of public
transportation. With this in mind we decided to explore existing themed events that this audience
would be receptive to. Using these events as examples we can incorporate successful elements
within them in designing LST events. Relevant examples are cited below:
Cycling:
We identified the Cork Cycling Festival as one relevant example. The festival is based around the
concept of cycling, incorporating different performances, games, and even inventions. This is a
testimonial from the website (http://www.peoplesrepublicofcork.com: )
Cork Cycling Arts Festival is a completely free celebration of cycling, arts, fun and creativity [...] fun and
energetic event, promoting bikes as a healthy and inexpensive lifestyle choice with a positive environmental
message and a free and youthful outlook. The festival’s imaginative programme features themed cycles, art,
film nights, workshops and a family cycling picnic. (see http://bit.ly/1l4EE3H )
Examples of innovative and fun events in this festival include; cycling picnics, cycling film screenings,
bike tours of the city, bike pageants, treasure hunts and themed events incorporating locations in
Cork city such as the event Cycle Through The Planets in which cyclists go on a guided journey
through the Solar System, starting in the city centre and finishing at Blackrock Castle Observatory. In
past instances face painting and fancy dress were elements of certain events. These events present a
different perspective on the existing relationships between cyclists and their bikes while also being
interesting enough to engage with a wider audience. This departure from norms provides event
goers a means of escapism and combines the athletic image of cycling with fun and humour. We
suggest that LST enhance its cycling events by inventing a similar experience. Such events would
have an emphasis on fun. 47 out of 66 questioned said that they already go to UL associated events.
(insert table?) LST should collaborate with existing societies on campus and the Student Union in
organising events.
Walking:
To increase interest in walking we suggest basing your events on vibrant ideas such as multisensory
walking tours, weekly themed podcasts, music audio, food trails, experiencing a blindfolded walk
which could also be used to raise funds for charity. In addition to this, we drew inspiration from
ideas presented at the Clonmel Junction Festival (see http://bit.ly/1QRhpXw) and HearSay Festival (see
http://bit.ly/21rh7KG) where they focused on audience participation. From examining these festivals
we ascertained that audience participation can be a key element to maintaining interest and
continued involvement.
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Public Transport:
The informal interviews alerted us to the infrequent bus times to and from the city centre.We are
also aware that many national buses pass through the university. Drawing inspiration from
Maynooth University (image 4), we suggest investing in a platform which will inform students of
timetables and timetable changes as soon as possible.
Through researching fun, vibrant transport events that reflect the needs and wants of our sample
group, we became aware of Tram Party Krakow (image 3). This is an event in which an individual or
group hire out a tram for a party. The tram travels through the city of Krakow while the DJ plays
their set. When encouraging people to engage with public transport something to consider is where
the students will be traveling to/from and enhancing their experience through their journey.
Image 3:
Image 4:
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Other strategy notes:
Develop a clear vision for the events that reflects the values and ethos of LST.
Design innovative and exciting events that connect with student’s interests such as music,
going for drinks, nature and sports.
Revaluate email frequency and incorporate engaging content for the new as well as regular
reader.
Consider different means of regularly relaying information, such as weekly podcasts.
Consider forms of guerrilla or experiential marketing, such as flash laughter yoga on public
transportation (see Marketing and Communication Issues video above).
Strengthen the bike doctor service and LST community pride.
Regarding multi-day events, establish a single-day, specific-time ‘kick-off party’ to appeal to
a larger audience and ultimately increase engagement in the long-term event.
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Value Proposition:
For UL students who like to go to sociable events: create party attitude events to relax and
meet up with new friends in spare time during the weekdays
For UL students who are looking to engage with LST and add a little spring to their step: we
provide multi-sensory walking tours that would create an active experience for the walker.
For UL students who need somewhere they can get their bikes repaired at a minimum effort
and fee: we provide excellent bike and transportation services to fulfil students’ needs.
For UL students who need to know available public transport with precise schedule and
information: our led timetable screen ensures accurate bus arrivals creating a more stress
free transport experience.
For UL students who are receptive to LST updates, establish a reformed communication
strategy that grabs their attention.
For UL students who are interested in an active lifestyle and sustainable travel, continue to
maintain this ethos in the design of events.
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Conclusion:
In conclusion from the quantitative and qualitative data collated from questionnaires and interviews
it was indicated that problems exist within the relationship between UL students and LST. There
exists a disconnect between LST and audiences, that prohibits the progression of the organisation. In
order for LST to grow as an entity and attract potential audiences, this static relationship needs to be
addressed. It is the belief of the Fuinneamh team informed by the examination of valid data, that
this relationship can be jumpstarted by implementing strategies to combat these issues. An
organisation’s events are its opportunity to create catered experiences that can engage a participant
and influence their subsequent interactions with a company such as LST. From the audience’s
perspective LST events are inaccessible and uninteresting.
Key issues identified during the research process were; a breakdown in communication between LST
and audiences, poor incorporation of social media, poor marketing, and a lacking events strategy. As
we have illustrated in the report, events can be revitalised and redirected to develop existing and
potential audience groups. External research on events related to transportation allowed us to
identify successful elements that could be incorporated in LST events. Events should resonate with
students on a personal level. We suggest looking at current trends and successes in other UL
associated events which are created with student mentality. We suggested that marketing and
communication strategies should be much more user accessible and inviting to attract interest.
Overall we discovered a need for excitement and innovation. A need for LST to bridge the gap that
exists between them and the student body. Students are constantly searching for a means of
escapism. In order to create a conversation about sustainable transport we need to allow a platform
where ideas can be exchanged and students can escape the pressures of academic daily life. Give the
students positive experiences through innovative events. Appeal to their sense of fun and you will
allow your events to flourish. Let’s put the fun back in Fuinneamh.
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Appendix 1: Questionnaire version 1
Questionnaire V.1
Section 1:
Age: _______________
Gender:_______________
Nationality:_____________________
Distance from home to UL (Estimated Km):_______________
Number of lecture hours:______________
Undergraduate or Postgraduate:_____________________
Course of Study:__________________________________
Relationship Status:____________________
Section 2:
Do you live on campus or off campus?______________
What time do you arrive on campus?_______________
What time do you leave campus?__________________
Section 3:
Do you live an active lifestyle?_____________________
Is fitness important to you?_______________________
Section 4:
Do you carry an Instrument, equipment or extra bags?
Specify:___________________________________________
Do you have classes or lectures outside of Irish World Academy?__________
Specify:_____________________________________________
What is your primary mode of transportation?__________________________
Would you consider other modes of transportation?______________
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If so, which?____________________________________________
If not, why?_____________________________________________
How satisfied are you with your mode of transportation? circle on a scale of 1-5
1 2 3 4 5
Section 5:
Have you attended any UL associated events?_____________
Which ones?__________________________________________
Why did you go or why not?__________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
What type of event is most attractive to you? (Example, See below.)
Would you attend an event outside of ‘normal academic/working hours’?______________
How likely are you to attend a ‘competitive style’ event?
Please circle your preference on a scale of 1-5
1 2 3 4 5
How likely are you to attend a ‘social style’ event?
Please circle your preference on a scale of 1-5
1 2 3 4 5
Please mark x beside the event categories that would be of interest to you:
Going out for drinks__________________
Nature, outdoor activities______________
History_____________
Art________________
Architecture_______________
Music________________
Sports________________
Other:________________
Section 6:
Have you heard of Limerick Smarter Travel?________________
How did you hear about it?_________________
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What do you know about it?________________________________________
Have you attended any Limerick Smarter Travel events?_________________
If so, which ones?_______________________________________________
If not would you?______________
What motivated you to go?
_________________________________________________________________________
How was your experience? ___________________________________________________
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
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Appendix 2: Questionnaire version 2
Questionnaire V.2
Section 1:
Age: _____________
Gender:____________
Nationality:___________________
Distance from accommodation to UL (Estimated Km):________________________________
Are you an Undergraduate or Postgraduate?_______________________________________
Course of study:_________________________________________________________
Section 2:
Do you carry an instrument, equipment or extra bags?_______________________________
Please specify:_________________________________________________________
Do you have classes or lectures outside the World Irish Academy? ___________________
If so, where?____________________
What is your primary mode of transportation?___________________________________
Would you consider other modes of transportation?______________________________
Please comment on why or why not:
_______________________________________________________________________
How satisfied are you with your mode of transportation? Circle on a scale from 1-5, 1 being
extremely unsatisfied and 5 being extremely satisfied:
1 2 3 4 5
Section 3:
Have you attended any UL associated events?_____________________________
Which ones?__________________________________________________________
Why did you/did you not go?______________________________________________
What type of events is most attractive to you? (Examples below)
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_____________________________________________________________________
Would you attend an event outside of ‘normal academic/work hours’?_________________
What day and time would suit you to attend an event during the week?________________
How likely are you to attend a ‘competitive style’ event? Please circle your preference on a scale of 1-
5, 1 being extremely unlikely and 5 extremely likely:
1 2 3 4 5
How likely are you to attend a ‘social style’ event? Please circle your preference on a scale of 1-5, 1
being extremely unlikely and 5 extremely unlikely:
1 2 3 4 5
Please mark ‘x’ beside the event categories that would be of interest to you:
Going out for drinks________
Nature, outdoor activities___________
History______________
Art____________
Architecture_________
Music______________
Sports____________
Other_________
Section 4:
Have you heard of Limerick Smarter Travel?____________________________
How did you hear about it?__________________________________________
What do you know about it?_________________________________________
Have you attended any Limerick Smarter Travel events?_____________
If so, which ones?_______________________________________________
If not, would you?_______________________________________________
What motivated you to go?________________________________________
How was your experience?_______________________________________
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Appendix 3: Questionnaire version 3 (final version)
Questionnaire V. 3
Section 1:
Age: __________
Gender:_______________________
Nationality:____________________
Distance from accommodation to UL (Estimated in miles or Km) :_____________
Are you an Undergraduate or Postgraduate?__________________________
Course of study:______________________________
Section 2:
Do you regularly carry an instrument, equipment or extra bags?_______________________
Please specify:_________________________________________________________
Do you have classes or lectures outside the World Irish Academy?______________________
If so, where?__________________________________________________________
What is your primary mode of transportation?______________________________________
Would you consider other modes of transportation, if so which ones? ___________________
Please comment on why or why not: ____________________________________________
How satisfied are you with your mode of transportation? Circle on a scale from 1-5, 1 being
extremely unsatisfied and 5 being extremely satisfied:
1 2 3 4 5
Section 3:
Have you attended any UL associated events?_________________
Which ones?__________________________________________________________
Would you attend an event outside of ‘normal academic/work hours’?________________________
What day and time would suit you to attend an event during the week?________________________
Have you attended any Limerick Smarter Travel events?_______________________
If yes what motivated you to go? ______________________________________
Which Limerick Smarter Travel events have you
attended?_____________________________________________________________
How was your experience?____________________________________________________________
32. 32
If no was there any particular reason? ___________________________________________
What type of events are most attractive to you?__________________________________
How likely are you to attend a ‘competitive style’ event? Please circle your preference on a scale of
1-5, 1 being extremely unlikely and 5 extremely likely:
1 2 3 4 5
How likely are you to attend a ‘social style’ event? Please circle your preference on a scale of 1-5, 1
being extremely unlikely and 5 extremely unlikely:
1 2 3 4 5
Please circle the event categories,1 being extremely uninterested and 5 extremely interested:
Going out for drinks 1 2 3 4 5
Nature, outdoor activities 1 2 3 4 5
History 1 2 3 4 5
Art 1 2 3 4 5
Architecture 1 2 3 4 5
Music 1 2 3 4 5
Sports 1 2 3 4 5
Please state other events you would like to attend?
_______________________________________________________________________
Considering the events you have attended, what would your preferred method of communication
be? Please circle: Email social media other______________________
Section 4:
Have you heard of Limerick Smarter Travel?______________________________________________
How did you hear about it?____________________________________________________________
What do you know about it?___________________________________________________________
Thank you for your time and cooperation!
33. 33
Appendix 4:
Interview with Qristina Bachand
Patrick: Okay, so basically this is just about Limerick Smarter Travel. We’re working with Limerick
Smarter Travel and trying to increase participation in their events…and to kind of spice up their
events or whatever because they feel like they’re not getting as much participation as they could be.
So, some problems we’ve identified are like their email blasts can be excessive and so for people
who don’t know anything about it or know very little, like, getting loads and loads of emails is a bit
irritating basically. So, we’re just trying to get a sense of, you know, the demographic of people here,
kind of because it’s a small group and a small amount of time, we’re focusing on the Academy
building and students here and their means of passport and what they use, what they know about
LST. All that kind of thing. And then we wanted to get to some of their events ourselves, but because
a lot of their events are kind of over a period of time rather than one day single events, and in the
time frame that we were looking at it was kind of hard for us to get out there. So, the reason I
wanted to talk to you is because you’ve been to them…
Qristina: Yea, I’ve been to a few
P: Yea, so what events have you been to?
Q: So, I’ve gone…I’ve used the Bike Doctor one time, who gets set up in the court yard and stuff and,
I think he’s run by Limerick Smarter Travel, I’m not totally sure…
P: Yea, he is, yea.
Q: Okay, so that’s great. I use that. And then, I’ve also been, they had like a bike repair workshop so
where you could like learn, it was the same guy – the bike doctor – and he was giving a workshop
just how to fix a flat tire and how to, just all this basic stuff basically, like even how to pump up a tire,
where you can do that and stuff so you didn’t always have to come to him for minor things.
P: Yea. So, do you bike to school every day?
Q: No. So, I live really close, it only takes me like just over ten minutes to walk in. So I walk in. But I
do have a bike and when I’m running late or something I would take make bike; it’s slightly quicker.
And I take my bike to go do groceries and to cycle into town and stuff. And when I cycle into town I
also use the LST lockers, ‘cause I, yea, I don’t really feel safe. Like, I think a lot of bikes are stolen in
Limerick and that’s a pretty big problem. Like, I know lots of people who have had their bike stolen
already since they’ve been here, so, yea I use those lockers because I feel they’re safer.
P: Okay, you’ve been here since September?
Q: Me?
P: Yea
Q: Yes
P: Okay. So…
Q: And one other event I’ve been to was, they organized a tour of Limerick city, a bike tour.
P: Oh yea. Can you kind of describe what that was?
Q: Yea, we all, I think there was thirty of us that day and they said it was smaller than the year
before but like, thirty people’s a lot, all cycling into town together. It felt like a good number anyway.
But, so we all met in the courtyard, in the square where the statue is. We met there and there was a
guide, and, first of all, I didn’t know there was a guide, they didn’t say that in the email, they just said
it was a tour of Limerick city and like we were all gonna all cycle in together and something so. And
they hired a professional tour guide, to give the tour. That was a nice surprise. We all cycled into the
city together and then he just took us to some few different places around town and explained
about Limerick city history and stuff like that. And then…yea that was it I guess. And then we cycled
back and got free lunch at the Scholars. We got free lunch also at the bike clinic, like to learn how to
fix your bike.
34. 34
P: Why did you want to do that?
Q: Why did I want to do those things? Because I enjoy cycling and I like, for the repair workshop I
would like to be able to know how to do some of my own repairs and stuff like that. Like, some basic
knowledge about how to keep your bike kind of in good working order is good. And then that tour,
like, it just, like why wouldn’t you do that? I don’t know
P: Yea, it’s like a personal interest?
Q: Yea, and it was, like, it’s three hours of my time and I got to meet some new people. Like meeting
new people is nice. Getting that tour and going around is nice, and it was just like a cool way to
spend my day, you know? Otherwise I would have been sitting, studying or…
P: Did something draw you in? Like the free lunch?
Q: It wasn’t the free lunch
P: …or was it, like, was it more like you were interested, you came across it you know, whatever, and
you were like ‘I want to do this’?
Q: But what it was, it wasn’t like, the, I also kind of agree in a way the emails aren’t very effective. It
was that I met them, ya know?
P: Oh, so personally?
Q: Yea, it was like a personal thing and that’s why I read the emails, ‘cause I met the guys from
Limerick Smarter Travel. Like, they’re super cool guys. And so, I just, like, I like them and I like what
they’re doing and that sort of drew me into the organization more so than like, yea, any of the
emails or anything like that. I came to the bike doctor ‘cause I needed help with my bike, then I met
the guys and I found out about all these other nice things and so.
P: So, would you, um, like would you say that the primary focus or your primary understanding of
Limerick Smarter Travel is bike-focused?
Q: Yea, I’d say so.
P: Okay. Do you know anything about their other services or whatever?
Q: They, I guess they promote walking…and biking. And Smarter Travel…would that also be public
transport?
P: Yup
Q: Okay. So, I mean I assume those things but all I know about is the biking side. And also, they had a
nice little map, they had a nice map of like walking and bike routes around.
P: Yea. Were you introduced to it, um…
Q: On the orientation
P: It was orientation.
Q: Yea
P: Okay
Q: But I didn’t…and… so that’s when I found out about the bike doctor, but I didn’t really know about
any other things that they did. They handed out the map, they handed out reflective vests, and they
were like, oh yea there’s a bike doctor and I was like okay I need to go ‘cause my bike’s shit.
P: Have you…since then, have you sought out other events held by them or is it more so just those
because they introduced them to you?
Q: No, like, those I….and I would like to do more events, but I feel like…I don’t know, just also I
haven’t been checking my email that much…I haven’t been going over to the bike doctor. So I guess
I’m just not aware of what’s happening now.
P: Okay
Q: And there was like, they had this bike competition thing and like I’m…you’re saying multi day
events or one off events…
P: Yea, that’s exactly what I mean
Q: …and I wouldn’t do a multi-day event. Like, I can’t commit to do a week long biking competition.
But I can commit to like a three-hour thing or like a one-hour workshop or something. That for sure,
and I’m really interested in doing more events, so…
35. 35
P: What if, um, the event like the bike challenge…’cause my understanding, and I could be wrong,
was that um you could join as a team, say you had you and like three other people, so four people
total, and you just kind of report or…I don’t know, document somehow like total amount of time or
distance travelled on a bike, you know? But not in a competitive way, just like, oh yea I bike in to
school and then back home…
Q: That’s what it was, I think
P: It is?! Okay. Um, so that was a multi-day event. Would you be more interested in doing that if they
had like a kick off party that was like two or three hours that like kind of brought an awareness and
like, would you go to that? And then uh well I might not do the thing but still go to the event?
Q: Yea, yea. Then I would have done the event and I would have gone to that party, for sure.
P: Cool cool. That’s kind of our approach on the whole thing, I think, because a lot of their events
being multi-day things like I think that’s what they really want more participation in. And we were
saying that the multi-day thing is kind of what sets people off, or puts people off.
Q: Unless you have like that excitement and enthusiasm for it going in. Yea
P: Yea, yea. So, you think a kick off party would kind of…
Q: Yea. And also the fact that it was a team that also deterred me from it, ‘cause I didn’t know
enough people to set up a team with.
P: Yea
Q: So that pushed me away from doing that as well.
P: Okay. What, um…do you have any personal idea of ways they could improve events like that? Or
even the events you’ve been to, like, is there anything that stood out as like an area that could be
improved?
Q: Mmm, not really? I think it’s a good idea to throw some more parties or something like that
‘cause people don’t…also, even me now, and I really like those guys and I really like Limerick Smarter
Travel, but like the emails at some point I don’t really read them anymore. And it always starts
off…like, the very first line of the email is like the bike doctor is back in the courtyard this week and
I’m like yea, I fuckin’ know that. You know? I know that he’s there every week. So you don’t need to
tell me every week that he’s there…or like end off the email with that. But, he’ll start off the email
with the same thing, and I…
P: So, it’s repetitive after a while?
Q: Yea. Like, what shows up on my screen, like, when I open email, it just like…email from Limerick
Smarter Travel and then that first little paragraph about the bike doctor, and I’m like Oh okay, I
know…delete. And it’s nothing…literally nothing personal, ‘cause I super love those guys but…ya
know? So if I can’t even bother to read that email after reading that, then how can anyone else
bother?
P: True. There you go
Q: There you go. Case in point right there. So yea, I would say maybe a little more attention grabbing
headline there on the email…
P: So, it could be an effective tool but…it’s very repetitive.
Q: Yea, if I opened up an email and the first thing said like, yea party this week, like, cyclists,
whatever…something different…Its just that it’s the…I think it’s like a form email and it’s like that it’s
the same email with a few minor things changed every week.
P: It’s almost like newsletter style
Q: But it’s the same newsletter every week, as far as I know. ‘Cause I didn’t read past the first bit.
But now I really want to check out what’s going on with Limerick Smarter Travel. Are there any cool
events coming up that you know about?
P: Um, there are…they’re similar though. Actually, I’m sorry I’m wrong. Um, the last one that we
looked at…I should be able to answer that question better…but the last one was last Thursday and it
was a similar kind of…
Q: Tour?
36. 36
P: …no not a tour, but how they did with the bikes...the challenge…it was like pedometer challenge
for walking. So. But that’s a hard event to attend, ya know? ‘Cause it’s a long thing. They also had
another event that we could have attended but we had…I think we had classes all day so we weren’t
able to eh, you know…but um. Cool. I suppose that’s it. We just kind of wanted to get a sense….I
guess in like a final question or whatever…what, um, in sort of like a summary statement…I mean,
your initial reaction to it is like those guys are awesome, those guys are the shit, I love those
guys…why? Like, what makes them so awesome? Or what makes Limerick Smarter Travel so
awesome?
Q: Just a lot of great resources and…great resources. They are a great resource in general. Like, as far
as like infrastructure and stuff, I mean. I don’t know how many of the bike lanes they had to do with,
but there’s like a lot of bike lanes in Limerick. It’s really awesome.
P: They had…I don’t know how much they specifically did, but I know, like, from campus to Aldi they
were responsible for that, which I have found to be very helpful.
Q: I cycle every day between my house and Aldi and I use that bike line. Yea. So that’s really great,
like, the infrastructure downtown to lock up your bikes and stuff. And I feel that people don’t really
know about how many…like, non of my friends who have bikes even know that there’s lockers…
P: Yea, I didn’t either. In fact, I meant to ask you…what are…I mean, like, bike lockers?
Q: Yea, it’s like a full locker
P: Like a room almost?
Q: Like from a gym, yea. Yea, and you put in a one euro coin and you lock it and you take the key and
when you return and you …you get your euro back. Like, it’s super awesome. And it’s in a parkade so
its secure and actually right next to the lockers they have an entire tool kit to do repairs on your bike
and they have a little air pump…
P: That anybody can use?
Q: That anybody can use. And there’s, like, two or three lockers in each of the parkades, but then
there’s also the little bars that you can lock it to. But either way, like, if you lock it in a parkade it’s
gonna be seriously more…and it’s right next to the office of the parkade, like the um…the security
office. It’s very exposed.
P: Like, out in the open.
Q: Yea, like it’s secure though, in that way. Yea, that’s what I mean, is that it’s not like locking your
bike out on the street or something. Like, I put it in there and I’m like my bike’s gonna be safe. So it’s
really good. And every time I go there I also pump up my tires. They have like an entire kit there of
stuff to help your bikes.
P: Nice, I did not know that.
Q: Yea, it’s really cool. So I would say Limerick Smarter Travel [starts laughing]
P: [laughing] two thumbs up?
Q: Two thumbs up! Yea, it’s a really cool resource and I think they have definitely some good ideas
and they’re doing good things in Limerick and, like, I’m all for cycling and walking and public
transport and I just think…like I really hope that more people will take advantage of everything that
they’re offering, so I hope this works.
P: Yea, that’s our goal!
37. 37
Appendix 5: Summaries of LST Questionnaire Data
Gender Distance
Mode of
Transportation
F 49 On Camp. 4 Bike/cycle 13
M 17 < 1 km 13 Car 13
1 km. 13 Walking 22
Age 1,5/2 km. 15 Bus 2
17 2 3/5 km. 9 Bus/Walking 4
18 7 Total 54 Car/Walking 4
19 10 8/49 km. 10 Walk/bike 2
20 10 Walk/bus 2
21 4
Carried an instrument or
equipment to and from
work
22 5 No 19 Other?
23 3 School bag 7 No 23
24 5 Bags 4 Bike/Cycle 9
25 9 Stethoscope 4 Walking 7
Laptop 2 Car 6
Studies level Instruments 7 Bus 7
Postgraduate 31 Dance gear 7
Undergraduate 35 Total 31 Satisfaction
Unsatisfied 4
Classes outside? Somewhat 16
No 22 Very 24
Yes 44 Extremely Satisfied 19
Attended UL events?
No 18
38. 38
Yes 47
Would attend events outside working hours?
No 11
Yes 53
Attended LST events?
No 58
Yes 6
39. 39
The following graphs utilized a 1-5 numerical grading system with 1 symbolizing Highly Unlikely and
5 symbolizing Highly Likely
Using the grading scale, please rate how likely you would attend the following style of events:
Competitive style Social style
1 6 1 2
2 5 2 3
3 22 3 14
4 19 4 24
5 12 5 21
Drinks History
1 7 1 15
2 5 2 18
3 9 3 10
4 16 4 14
5 29 5 8
Nature Art
1 3 1 8
2 6 2 13
3 8 3 16
4 24 4 15
5 25 5 14
Music Architecture
Using the grading scale, please rate how likely you would attend events of the following themes:
40. 40
Preferred Method of Communication
Email 33
social media 23
email + social media 7
email + text 1
1 1 1 27
2 0 2 17
3 8 3 13
4 11 4 4
5 46
Sports
1 8
2 11
3 17
4 12
5 18
Heard of LST?
No 20
Yes 44
How?
Email 23
Orientation 4
What do you know?
Nothing 41
