Walk the Talk - Bicycles

Turning words into action – walking the talk – is required in our work and commitment to questions of sustainability. At Linköping University we take these words extremely seriously, with our measures to ensure sustainability and efficient energy use.

We have chosen to showcase this work in an exhibition of the same name – Walk the Talk – at both Campus Valla and Campus Norrköping.

The exhibition is public, free of charge, and accessible all year round. Follow the exhibition pathway by following the points marked on the map at each campus.Map over the exhibition Walk the talk - station Bicycles, Campus Valla.Map over the exhibition Walk the talk - station Bicycles, Campus Valla. Photo credit LiU-Tryck

Map with coordinates

Bicycles

Cycle heroes

Location: Campus Valla

Linköping University is working with the municipalities and property companies to create bicycle-friendly campuses and well-functioning cycle paths to and from the campuses. Cycle traffic currently accounts for around 30% of total traffic in Linköping municipality. If you go by bike instead of driving, you reduce CO2 emissions, reduce crowding on the streets, and reduce the levels of particles, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic substances, etc., in the air. At the green bicycle maintenance stations that are part of the Walk the Talk exhibition, you can change and inflate your tyres, and carry out other maintenance and repair on your bike.

Bild tagen för utställningen Walk the Talk.Bicycle repair station at Campus Valla. Photo credit Magnus Johansson

Electric transport cycle

Location: Campus Norrköping, Täppan

It is easy to end up doing things as they have always been done, when planning transport. The old ways are usually strongly connected to CO2 emissions, noise and expense, since we normally think of the car.

The Logistics and Facilities Support Office in Norrköping is innovative. By starting with considering requirements, rather than traditions, they opened the way for new possibilities. The solution was an electrically powered transport cycle. It’s positive that diesel fuel is replaced by human power and electricity, but the benefits don’t end there. The transport bike is easy to manoeuvre in the dense afternoon traffic, keeps the co-workers fit, and saves money. Environmental work doesn’t have to be any more difficult than that.

Bild tagen för utställningen Walk the Talk.Electric transport cycle used at campus Norrköping. Photo credit Erika Sjöding

Their aspiration to reduce emissions is not a sacrifice. It’s about development and common sense. But the key to it all is to start by considering what’s needed.

Did you know?

Bicycles at Linköping University.

Did you know?

  • The average car journey is shorter than 5 km. If you go by bike instead of the car, you reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 700 kg per year.
  • Cykling 30 minutes a day improves your stamina and metabolism. It also counteracts high blood pressure and stress symptoms, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Save money by taking the bike instead of the car. If you consider only the fuel costs for an average car, you save at least SEK 2,500 per year, if the distance from home to work is 5 km. 

Research areas

Walk the Talk