Abstract
Motor vehicles are contributing to a rise in emissions. In response, the New Zealand Government is creating policies that encourage other modes of transportation, including electric vehicles, public transport and active transportation. The policies are often adult-focused and concerned with the commute to work however transportation to school is predominantly done through private vehicles and is a significant contributor to emission levels. To reduce emissions through alternative transportation the alternatives need to be attractive and practical. For children, cycling can be a viable alternative to travelling to school rather than the private vehicle; however few children cycle to school and very little is known about what factors restrict or enabled their choice to cycle to school. This thesis will explore the reasons behind children's desire, expectations, and experience of cycling to school by examining cycling enablers and barriers from the child's perspective. The enablers and barriers will be examined to determine what methods can be used to encourage children to cycle to school, thereby contributing to the effort to reduce emissions. Further, this thesis is concerned with current transport policies and how they contribute to an inclusive transport network. Therefore, the second aim of this thesis is to explore the capacity of district-level transport policies in encouraging a mobility shift in children towards cycling.
The focus of this study will be on transportation in Dunedin, New Zealand. Two schools agreed to participate in two exercises where children were asked to create maps and posters depicting what enabled or hindered their ability to cycle to school. The data was used to determine what children require to cycle to school and how this compares to the policy direction from the Dunedin City Council. From the research, there were a number of barriers or enablers identified that demonstrated that children need to feel safe, unhindered and supported in their cycling journey. Solutions to achieve these outcomes include cycle paths, traffic-calming measures, cycle training, social acceptance and allowing cycling to be ‘fun’. The Dunedin City Council’s transport plan includes all aspects of the findings from this research however their priority for implementation has prioritised adults over children. Therefore the current cycle network in Dunedin does not enable children to cycle to school. To resolve this issue, the Dunedin City Council must prioritise children's needs and follow the directions outlined in the transportation plans for movement around school zones.