There is a huge opportunity to promote a greater culture of walking and cycling. We reported in July about a brilliant initiative by Healthy Stadia, World Heart Federation and UEFA to develop and pilot an app promoting walking and cycling to host venues of the UEFA EURO2017 (original article here)! The ActiveMatchApp used GPS technology to track walking and cycling trips to the venues on match day. The results are in, and they look good. First, the number of downloads was almost double the anticipated number and there was substantial positive feedback from App users. Who used it? About 50% were local Dutch men and women. But the other 50% were from other countries.

”This app helped spread the Dutch example of cycling. But it’s the future potential that is really promising” said Dr Randy Rzewnicki, ECF health policy officer . 

Over a third (38%) of users stated that they were more likely to consider walking or cycling to domestic football matches as a result of using the ActiveMatchApp. ”So it is fair to say the app has been a great success, ” says Dr Matthew Philpott, Executive Director of the European Healthy Stadia Network. ”And 70% of users recommend the App to a friend. We’re looking forwad to the challenge of applying it to future events,” he added. 

Conclusions

There is a huge opportunity to promote a greater culture of walking and cycling to host stadia at large international tournament such as UEFA EURO 2017. The ActiveMatchApp was developed as a pilot intervention to incentivise fans and staff to choose a healthy and sustainable form of transport to venues, and although the App has been piloted in a country with a strong cycling culture, only 52% of users were actually from the Netherlands.

The number of downloads was almost double the anticipated number and there was substantial positive feedback from App users. The fact that over a third (38%) of users stated that they were more likely to consider walking or cycling to domestic football matches as a result of using the ActiveMatchApp is of particular significance and suggests that active travel options should be explored by both clubs and league operators.

For the full case study report click here.