Cycling Towards Europe
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Cycling towards Europe Opportunities for assisting cycling in Dunedin through a developed planning framework Sam Le Heron A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the degree of Masters in Planning, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. November 1st 2010 Abstract The current dominance of the private car in New Zealand is contributing to a compromised efficiency, connectedness and environment within New Zealand cities. Recognition that future challenges will restrict the availability of current modes emphasises the appropriateness of planning toward the future of our cities. This study investigates how a planning framework can be developed to assist a modal shift toward cycling in Dunedin, New Zealand. Theoretical approaches and international practice on the themes of characteristics important for assisting modal shift, benefits of modal shift and barriers to modal shift are explored in a three part international literature review and case studies. The focus of the international literature and the case studies is primarily on successful cycling cities in Europe to assist in understanding their success and aid in Dunedin‟s potential success. A conceptualisation of the characteristics important for assisting modal shifts within theory and practice is then outlined. Primary research involving key informant interviews was undertaken in Dunedin along with a wider New Zealand context to determine the characteristics, benefits and barriers to a modal shift in Dunedin. The findings indicate that the acceptance of the role of active transportation in the future of Dunedin is increasing, yet is still meeting a significant resistance at both the local and central government levels. This research also identified the most applicable barriers to a modal shift occurring, and highlighted some of the potential benefits of a modal shift in Dunedin. The key findings allowed for the development of a three stage planning framework for assisting modal shift promotion in Dunedin. The planning framework provides detailed insight into a potential direction for Dunedin to assist in modal shift promotion. The research concludes with recommendations to the Dunedin City Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency that could aid in modal shift promotion to cycling in Dunedin. They include; developing an Active Transport Forum, implementing a „cycling champion‟, initiating a cycle culture, implementing car restrictions, prioritising pedestrians and cyclists, developing a long term vision, integrating spatial policy and providing more guidance and education at a national level. The significance of this study is evident through the growing concern over the functionality of New Zealand cities personal transport networks, coupled with the extensive benefits that can be experienced with modal shifts to cycling. The ii importance of developing a planning framework for modal shift promotion in Dunedin is through the need for discussion and debate on progressing Dunedin‟s current personal transport system, to one that can benefit the individual and the city in the future. iii Acknowledgements I would like to thank all those who have given up their time to assist my research process and to my family who have always been so supportive. iv Table of Contents Abstract .............................................................................................................................................. ii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................ iv Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................ v List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................... ix List of Figures..................................................................................................................................... x List of Boxes ..................................................................................................................................... xi List of Photos .................................................................................................................................... xii 1. Chapter One Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Personal Transport Globally................................................................................................. 1 1.2 New Zealand Personal Transport ......................................................................................... 3 1.3 World Cycling ..................................................................................................................... 4 1.4 Cycling for Personal Transport in New Zealand ................................................................... 5 1.5 Cycling for Personal Transport in Dunedin .......................................................................... 6 1.6 Understanding the Problem .................................................................................................. 6 1.7 Research Problem ................................................................................................................ 8 2. Chapter Two Literature Review ................................................................................................. 10 2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 10 2.2 Section One: Identifying Characteristics Important for Assisting Modal Shift Promotion ... 13 2.2.1 Direct Measures of Cycle Promotion .......................................................................... 13 2.2.2 Indirect Measures of Cycle Promotion ........................................................................ 22 2.2.3 Characteristics Conclusion ......................................................................................... 27 2.3 Section Two Benefits of Modal Shift Promotion ................................................................ 29 2.3.1 Health Benefits .......................................................................................................... 29 2.3.2 Economic ................................................................................................................... 31 2.3.3 Social......................................................................................................................... 33 2.3.4 Conclusion of Benefits ............................................................................................... 37 2.4 Section Three Barriers to Modal Shift Promotion ............................................................... 39 2.4.1 Cultural ...................................................................................................................... 39 v 2.4.2 Political ..................................................................................................................... 40 2.4.3 Physical ..................................................................................................................... 41 2.4.4 Environmental ........................................................................................................... 43 2.4.5 Traffic enforcement ................................................................................................... 43 2.5 Section Four Case Studies .................................................................................................. 45 2.5.1 The Netherlands ......................................................................................................... 47 2.5.2 Denmark .................................................................................................................... 50 2.5.3 Germany .................................................................................................................... 56 2.5.4 Conclusions from Case Studies .................................................................................. 60 2.6 Literature Review Conclusion ............................................................................................ 63 3. Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 64 3.1 Research Approach ............................................................................................................ 64 3.2 Positionality ...................................................................................................................... 66 3.3 Ethical Considerations ....................................................................................................... 66 3.4 Research Methods ............................................................................................................. 67 3.4.1 Literature Review ...................................................................................................... 67 3.4.2 Key Informant Interviews .......................................................................................... 68 3.5 Data Analysis .................................................................................................................... 69 3.5.1 Data Reduction .......................................................................................................... 70 3.5.2 Data Organisation .....................................................................................................