Getting There - On Foot, By Cycle - Priority 7
Last updated on
21/11/2008 2:44 p.m.
A strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand transport
February 2005
Encourage positive attitudes towards and perceptions of walking and cycling as modes of transport
Why?
People's perceptions help to determine what modes of transport they consider for day-to-day use. While there is growing awareness of the benefits of walking and cycling, not all perceptions of walking and cycling support their being selected.
For example, walking and cycling are often viewed primarily as leisure activities rather than as transport options. Alternatively, they are viewed as modes of transport for people with limited transport options (such as children or the socially disadvantaged) or as modes for 'enthusiasts' rather than for mainstream users.
Other common perceptions of walking and cycling can also be obstacles to their consideration for transport - for example, 'they take too long', 'only really fit people can cycle', or 'its too hilly/rainy/hot/cold to walk or cycle here'. While we need to be realistic about the limitations of walking and cycling, not all perceived limitations are real. For example, while cycling is generally considered a slow mode of transport, for shorter journeys on congested roads, cycling may be quicker than driving.
For some, perceptions about safety and personal security are particularly significant in their consideration of walking or cycling as transport options. For example, it is important to address the safety concerns of parents when attempting to change the travel behaviour of children, because it is often parents who make the decisions as to how their child will travel. Safety perceptions are also addressed under 'Focus four. Improving safety and security'. Public perceptions can be reinforced by terms used within the transport sector to describe walking and cycling, and by the value people see decision makers placing on these modes. Currently, walking and cycling are often referred to as 'alternative', 'slow' modes of transport, while those using them are described as 'transport disadvantaged' or 'vulnerable' road users. There is a need to re-position walking and cycling as normal, desirable, and mainstream modes of transport.
Although some benefits of walking and cycling are well recognised, there is room to further promote, to the public and to decision makers, the full range of benefits these modes can offer, and also to highlight the risks and consequences of their decreasing use.
Desired outcome
Walking and cycling will be perceived as mainstream, beneficial and desirable modes of transport, capable of helping us meet day-to-day needs.
How?
International and local experience indicates that the following types of action will help to achieve this outcome:
- Walking and cycling are actively promoted as desirable, valued and 'mainstream' modes of transport.
- Positive terminology is used to describe walking and cycling as modes of transport (such as saying 'active' rather than 'alternative' or 'slow').
- The benefits of walking and cycling are widely promoted both to the public and to decision makers, along with the consequences of decreased use of these modes.
- Negative perceptions associated with walking and cycling are addressed as part of initiatives to promote these modes.
- Perceptions related to walking and cycling are monitored as part of strategies for walking and cycling.
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