How might bicycle ownership/access and cycling expertise influence the design of cycling promotion interventions at the University of Johannesburg?

Abstract

Objective: The present study examined potential barriers to cycle-based transport amongst undergraduate students, to inform the design of future cycling promotion interventions at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Participants: A total of 606 first, second and third year UJ undergraduates took part. Methods: Sociodemographic and economic determinants of bicycle/car ownership, cycling competency and behavior were evaluated using data derived from a 9-item questionnaire, before and after adjustment for measured confounders. Results: While 70% of respondents knew how to cycle, only 26% owned/had access to a bicycle, and only 18% had last cycled for transport. Bicycle ownership and competency were far commoner amongst male and older participants, and those whose parents had the means to own a car. Conclusions: Interventions to promote cycle-based transport must address the many (predominantly female) students who: have limited cycling competency; do not own/have access to a bicycle; or have little/no experience of cycling for transport.

Keywords:

• Bicycle
• cycling
• South Africa
• student
• University

Acknowledgments

The present study would not have been possible without the support of academic colleagues in the Department of Anthropology and Development Studies, nor without the participation of so many undergraduate students, and we are very grateful to both groups for their invaluable assistance. The study formed the first in a series of projects supported by the City of Johannesburg to promote and evaluate the use of the City’s new cycle lanes, specifically amongst commuters, residents and students working, living and studying close to the “university corridor” cycle lanes. Additional support was provided by the Worldwide Universities Network, and the Universities of Johannesburg and 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 present study formed part of a programme of research funded by the City of Johannesburg. GTHE received additional funding support from the Worldwide Universities Network (wun.ac.uk) and the Universities of Johannesburg and Leeds.