Abstract
Active transportation can provide many co-benefits in cities. It can help reduce the impact emissions have on climate change, minimise infrastructural space, and provide social and physical health benefits. Cycling is proposed as the most efficient and convenient form of active transportation, allowing for faster travel times compared to walking.
This study is based on Christchurch, a New Zealand city that faced a series of devastating earthquakes between 2010 and 2011. Following this devastation, the city had an opportunity to re-think their transportation system. Within this context, this study will investigate what important cycle-friendly elements are, and considering these, what cycle-friendly elements does Christchurch encompass. The implications of the effects the earthquakes have had on cycling in Christchurch in terms of planning directives, will be investigated, followed by a series of recommendations and reflections on key themes that surface.
Using a mixed method approach, both qualitative and quantitative data was collected to assist in answering the research questions. This was done conducting a policy review, key informant interviews, and an online questionnaire survey for cyclists in Christchurch. The data was then coded and displayed as results.
Key findings concluded that 1. Christchurch can be considered a cycle-friendly city and has strong policy support in the areas of cycleways, storage/ security, connectivity, and convenience; 2. Mass consultation immediately following the earthquakes allowed for clear transport planning directive and purpose; and 3. Affordability of cycling may need to be addressed to a greater extent in policy.
This research has investigated the significance of cycle-friendliness in a post-disaster city and the potential to promote sustainable transport options