Introducing Johannesburg’s new cycle lanes to potential student users: experiences, impact and recommendations

Abstract

Objective: The present study evaluated an intervention designed to introduce University students as potential users of Johannesburg’s cycle lanes. Participants: A total of 393 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of Johannesburg took part. Methods: Following cycling and safety training, participants undertook a 1.2 km supervised cycle ride between University of Johannesburg campuses using loaned bicycles. The evaluation of the intervention drew on quantitative and qualitative data collected using participant questionnaires; and fieldworkers’ photographic and reflective accounts. Results: Perceived cycling competency improved following the intervention, though similar proportions of participants became more and less interested in bicycle ownership (7-8%). The physical effort entailed; and flaws in the design and maintenance of cycle lanes (that affected utility and safety) were the strongest themes emerging from the qualitative analyses. Conclusions: The supervised cycle rides improved perceived cycling competency, but also enabled participants to reappraise the potential benefits and desirability of bicycle ownership.

Keywords:

• Bicycle
• cycling
• South Africa
• student
• university

Acknowledgments

The intervention would not have been possible without the support of the Bon4Kasi cycling club and the four experienced club members (Sipho Tati, Raymond Rampolokeng, Marcia Majavu and Gift Mtjike) who acted as instructors and supervised the cycle rides that were central to the intervention; and we are very grateful for their generous and enthusiastic contribution. Interest in the intervention was also greatly enhanced by the visits made to the Kingsway campus by the ‘SuperCycling Club’ and the City of Johannesburg Transport Department, who provided opportunities for students to try out top-of-the-range racing bicycles and electric pedal bikes/scooters; and we are also very grateful for their support and encouragement. Finally we express our thanks to the fieldworkers involved in implementing the intervention and collecting data for the evaluation; thank you to: Tumelo Lavisa, Nsovo Mathebula, Thato Kgoele, Jabulani Ntombela, Masego Tabane, Rose Manapo, Louise Onalenna and Vimbai Mawela. George Ellison’s participation in the Project was supported by the Worldwide Universities Network and the University of Leeds.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of South Africa and received approval from the Faculty of Humanities Research Ethics Committee at the University of Johannesburg .

Additional information

Funding

The intervention and evaluation described here forms part of a larger project funded by the City of Johannesburg to generate greater understanding of barriers to the uptake of the City’s new cycle lanes.