Do information-based measures affect active travel, and if so, for whom, when and under what circumstances? Evidence from a longitudinal case-control study

Soft, information-based measures to encourage walking and cycling for travel are increasingly being recommended alongside infrastructure investments. Using principles of realist evaluation, we evaluate implemented as part the European Physical Activity Through Sustainable Approaches (PASTA) study in Vienna (Austria), Örebro (Sweden), Rome (Italy), Antwerp (Belgium) over a 3-year cohort study, further follow-up 2.5 years later Örebro. Increases active modes due interventions were most significant walking, one year after intervention, people full-time employment. e-bike use associated with changes perceptions cycling, while increases not any walking. We find evidence supporting previous findings that information provision is unlikely work standalone intervention longer run, but may be effective when combined other policies. • Robust term evaluation encouraging cities. Soft helped increase e-bicycling all 4 cities 2014–2016. had long-term effect on e-bicycling, per 2019 survey. Public transit improvements can reduce driving.