When the means are no dead end: Effects of witnessing direct collective action for traffic transformation

Embedded in the contested space of traffic transformation, we compare the effects of two types of confrontative action on bystanders: direct actions in which means and ends align (e.g., marking cycle paths) and non-direct actions in which the ends justify the means (e.g., blocking parking space with art). We expected that direct actions which successfully communicate a utopian vision can increase access to desirable cognitive alternatives in observers; a so-called “prefigurative effect”. We hypothesized that direct actions with this prefigurative effect (versus comparable non-direct actions) will be more strongly supported, perceived as more legitimate and efficacious, elicit less negative and more positive emotions, and lead to a higher propensity to participate in and stronger solidarity with the movement. We also investigated downstream effects on perceptions of a traffic-reduced future and policy support. To test our hypotheses, we conducted two pre-registered online experiments in Germany ( N total = 645), in which we varied direct vs. non-direct version of a bicycle, parking, and automobility action. In both studies, the direct bicycle and direct parking actions increased access to cognitive alternatives but only the direct bicycle action consistently increased hope, support for the activists, and support for the action. This suggests that confrontative collective action which is (perceived to be) direct and prefigurative is more likely to elicit positive reactions than when it is not, although there seem to be additional factors at play. Taken together, our results speak to the value of embracing direct action and prefigurative politics both in research and practice. • Direct action can embody a utopic alternative to the status quo • Such direct action might be more supported than other forms of disruption • We found strong support for this effect for self-painted bicycle lanes • Effects of repurposed parking spaces were less consistent • Direct speed limit protests had no effect • There were no effects on policy support or perceptions of the future