From Unlock15
Welcome to the UNLOCK15-Toolbox - we are collecting tools to empower „agents of change“ from civil society as well as city officials to unlock existing lock-ins. We hope you will find some relevant tools to drive change towards mobility transition in your context!
From experience, three types of tools are need for real change: tools to create and communicate evidence, tools to envision possible futures and scenarios and participatory tools for on-site action.
Evidence
This type of tools help you to collect evidence, which supports the change you are aiming for. Some tools also allow crowd-based approaches to involve citizens in a broad manner. Evidence helps to convince decision makers to back-up change.
Observing and visualising human behaviour in public space
Collecting data on how people use space can give you a solid foundation to discuss how it should be designed. These apps can help you to collect your data.
Joint Survey between initiatives and district politics
In Vienna they managed something extraordinary: They did a survey collaboratively between district politics, administration and civil society. This has a lot of potential for different reasons:
Low effort survey in public space
The picture stems from Ljubljana, where the urban design studio prostorož set up benches in public space. They attached a QR-Code, where people could vote if they wanted this bench to stay. The outcome will suprise you!
Vision
In this category you find tools that help you to create a vision of what you are aiming for. A strong vision is key for driving change because it helps you to grow as a movement and to shift public opinions. This category also includes tools that help you envision how you want to work together as a group.
Building durable groups with low hierachies
Defining goals, structures, roles and means of decision making are all crucial parts of founding and maintaining collectives, cooperatives, and other groups. Many aspects of organisation however remain ad hoc, informal and opaque, creating the possibility of power imbalances, misunderstandings and exclusion. The link will lead you to website with key questions that any group should consider and define during its formation.
Onboarding framework
The Onboarding Framework is a structured yet flexible tool designed to help grassroots civil society initiatives welcome and integrate new volunteers with as little friction as possible.
Action
Small steps towards the realisation of local change can help to make the vision tangible and also easier to be discussed. Tools for action help to make the impact of change tangible and involve local communities.
Presswork to spread your vision
Presswork helps you to spread your vision of change. With a little preperation and a good idea, your work could be covered in the local news by tomorrow. Attached you will find a guide in english and german for successful presswork.
Human pop up bike lane
Using simple tools such as ropes and a group of volunteers, pop-up bike lanes can be registered as a demonstration yet still allow for traffic flow to continue - but with a new division of space.
Neighborhood Party
A Neighbourhood Party can create an inclusive space where residents can explore sustainable mobility options, connect with local initiatives, and discuss the future of mobility in their community. Through interactive activities, demonstrations, and informal exchanges, participants are empowered to learn about available alternatives, share their experiences, and actively contribute to shaping a more accessible, sustainable, and liveable neighbourhood.