From Cars to Bicycles: an Ecosystem View of Montreal Traffic as a Wicked Problem

Louise Kold-Taylor () and Donald W. Guerre
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Louise Kold-Taylor: Concordia University
Donald W. Guerre: Concordia University

Systemic Practice and Action Research, 2020, vol. 33, issue 1, No 3, 55-75

Abstract: Abstract In this paper, we share our reflections based on a process consultation project in collaboration with the Montreal Bicycle Advisory Committee. We put forward the idea that changing people’s habits of transportation in Montreal is a complex, wicked problem which cannot be solved by a single actor in a single domain using well-known solutions. We suggest using Transformative Scenario Planning as a framework for how to engage the ecosystem in a participatory, systemic and emergent process to help the system transform its problematic situation. We also discuss the implications of being a stakeholder and change agents in such a transformative culture change process, including our own experience of change through the project. Finally, we end our reflections with a question for further exploration that have emerged from this work. In doing so, we wish to share the continuous inquiry that this work may inspire.

Keywords: Systems thinking; Complexity; Wicked problem; Process consultation; Culture change; Transformative scenario planning; Montreal; Cycling infrastructure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11213-019-09514-8

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