Julkine
In the research project, an intervention was implemented in collaboration with the cities of Mikkeli and Kouvola to increase physical activity and the use of sustainable transport modes among middle school-aged youth.
The Julkine study investigates young people’s physical activity and sustainable mobility
Solutions for promoting active travel
The study aims to provide solutions for promoting sustainable and active travel (increased walking, cycling, and use of public transport, reduced private car use) during a life stage when physical activity decreases (7th–9th graders) in areas where distances can be long (Mikkeli, Kouvola, and their rural areas).
Globally important information on young people’s physical activity
The Julkine study project produces globally important information on young people’s everyday travel and the factors that influence travel modes. The obtained knowledge can also be utilized when planning transport and physical activity services in urban and rural areas. The main results of the research project will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Key actions of the project
Participants were recruited through schools. The schools were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group; each group consists of four schools (two from Kouvola and two from Mikkeli). A total of approximately 100 young people participated in the study during the school year 2024 – 2025.
Both the intervention and control groups participated in daily physical activity measurements and map surveys that assess transportation mode usage and travel duration.
The intervention group additionally underwent a school-year-long intervention aimed at increasing their physical activity and the share of sustainable travel modes in their everyday.
In the intervention, researchers organised activities that support sustainable and active travel: lessons and workshops, guidance on hybrid travel in the local area, calculation of carbon footprint, youth travel panel, bike maintenance workshop, and an information campaign in the form of videos and newsletters. The activities mainly took place in schools during school hours.
The control group will receive a brief version of the intervention after the final measurements.
The Julkine study is continuation for the Freeride research themes
The Julkine study continues on the path paved by the previous Freeride study. The Freeride research project (2019 – 2022) investigated the connection between free public transportation and children’s physical activity and independent mobility. Data was collected from children aged 10 – 12 years and their parents in the Mikkeli and Kouvola regions.
According to the study results, free public transportation does not decrease but also does not increase children’s daily physical activity. Free public transportation was associated with increased bus usage, and, for bus users, a significant portion of active travel came from walking to the bus stop.
Publications (in English)
Facts
A multilevel intervention to increase active travel, active travel chains, and device-measured physical activity in young people in Kouvola and Mikkeli, Finland: a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Project partners
Tiina Rinne Visiting Professor, Aalto University; Assistant Professor, Transport Research Centre Verne, Tampere University; tiina.rinne@tuni.fi
