The shift to sustainable transportation is essential for tackling Hong Kong's urban challenges, including traffic congestion, environmental pollution, and public health concerns. Active transportation, primarily walking and cycling, refers to any human-powered mode of travel that involves physical activity. By reducing reliance on motor vehicles, these approaches can foster healthier lifestyles, cleaner air, and less congested streets.

Hong Kong faces persistent issues of traffic congestion and parking inadequacy, particularly in its Central Business District (CBD). Promoting active modes of transportation can help alleviate these problems while supporting broader goals of sustainable urban expansion through Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and green infrastructure. Despite the clear benefits, many people remain hesitant to adopt walking or cycling as their primary modes of transportation. Behavioural economics may provide an innovative framework for addressing reluctance by applying cognitive biases, habits, and preferences to encourage individuals to make sustainable transportation choices.

Behavioural economics emphasise "nudges", which are small, strategic interventions that guide individuals toward desirable behaviours without restricting their freedom of choice. In the context of active transportation, gamification and rewards programmes are two effective strategies that use both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to encourage walking or cycling. These approaches align with the principles of sustainability, accessibility, and community well-being, as outlined in the Sustainable Transport and Development Partnership (STDP) framework.

Gamification can transform active transportation into an engaging experience for Hong Kong's tech-savvy population. A citywide app could award points for walking between MTR stations rather than making short transfers, encouraging pedestrian activity in high-density areas. Inter-district competitions could enhance Hong Kong's strong neighbourhood identities, with leader boards showing which districts have the highest active transportation participation rates. Digital badges could recognise achievements specifically relevant to Hong Kong's urban context, such as "Peak Climber" for those walking up steep areas or "Heritage Walker" for exploring historic neighbourhoods on foot. Gamification is particularly effective because it taps into behavioural principles such as loss aversion, social proof, and commitment mechanisms. It is like the policy of GREEN@COMMUNITY.

Rewards programmes offer concrete incentives for behavioural change. Partnerships with Hong Kong's retail sectors could provide discounts at shopping centres for customers arriving on foot, creating economic incentives aligned with business interests. The corporate sector could implement programmes rewarding employees who walk or cycle to work, potentially reducing healthcare costs while supporting sustainable transportation. Additionally, priority access to certain facilities or services for active transportation users creates non-monetary incentives that recognise their contribution to reducing congestion. These reward structures address immediate gratification needs while establishing habits that generate long-term benefits for individuals and the community.

Hobart, the State city of Tasmania, offers valuable insights into integrating active transportation into broader urban development strategies. The city's congestion and reliance on motor vehicles demonstrate the need for alternative transportation modes. The proposed integration of TOD, green building practices, and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) emphasises how diverse strategies can create liveable, sustainable cities.

Gamification and rewards programmes effectively complement the strategies of PPP and TOD by encouraging behavioural shifts at an individual level. Active transportation incentives can be implemented in TOD precincts by creating pedestrian-friendly and cyclist-friendly environments. Reducing reliance on private vehicles requires a combination of infrastructure improvements and policy changes, as emphasised in the STDP framework. Furthermore, active transportation aligns with green building principles by promoting energy-efficient, low-impact mobility solutions.

PPP can play a crucial role in implementing gamification platforms and rewards programmes. Private companies can sponsor gamification apps or provide rewards for participants, enhancing their brand image while contributing to community well-being. PPPs can invest in smart city innovations, such as integrated cycling and walking apps that track activity and offer real-time rewards. Collaborations with private developers can ensure the inclusion of active transportation facilities in new projects. By distributing costs and responsibilities across sectors, PPPs create financially sustainable programmes while aligning public health goals with private sector interests.

Several cities worldwide have promoted walking and cycling, demonstrating the potential of such approaches to drive behavioural changes and enhance urban mobility. Singapore's National Steps Challenge uses gamification to motivate residents to increase their daily step counts. Participants track their steps using fitness devices and earn Health points, which can be redeemed for vouchers and prizes, making it a highly effective public health initiative. In Bogotá, the Ciclovía programme closes major streets to motor vehicles on Sundays and public holidays, encouraging walking, cycling, and community engagement. This long-running initiative has inspired similar programmes globally and highlights the benefits of active transportation. These examples underline the effectiveness of gamification and rewards programmes in fostering sustainable, healthy, and environmentally friendly urban lifestyles.

Hong Kong can develop a more balanced transportation ecosystem that embraces walking and cycling alongside its world-class public transit system. Gamification and rewards programmes offer cost-effective complements to infrastructure investments, addressing the psychological barriers that often prevent the adoption of active transportation. By integrating these behavioural approaches with the STDP framework, Hong Kong can create a transportation system that moves people efficiently and contributes to public health, environmental sustainability, and urban liveability.

By Dr. Bankee Kwan

Member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee and President of the Federation of Hong Kong-Shanghai Associations.

Dr. Philip Wong

Deputy Director of STEAM Education and Research Centre, Lingnan University.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of Orange News.

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