Walking and Cycling Interactions on Shared-Use Paths

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Walking and Cycling Interactions on Shared-Use Paths Walking and Cycling Interactions on Shared-Use Paths Hannah Delaney A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the University of the West of England, Bristol, for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Faculty of Environment and Technology, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK February 2016 Abstract Central to this research are the interactions that take place between cyclists and pedestrians on shared-use paths and the impact of these on journey experiences. This research proposes that as active travel is promoted and as walking and cycling targets are set in the UK, there is a potential for levels of active travel to increase; putting pressure on shared-use paths, and potentially degrading journey experiences. Previous research on shared-use paths focuses on the observable aspects of shared path relations, such as visible collisions and conflict. However, this thesis suggests that it is necessary to investigate shared-path interactions in more depth, not only focusing on the visible signs of conflict but also examining the non-visible experiential interactions. Thus, this research addresses the following questions: - What are the different kinds of interactions that occur on shared-use paths? - How do path users experience and share the path? - What are the respondents’ expectations and attitudes towards the path? - What are the practice and policy options in relation to enhancing shared-path experiences? - Are video recordings a useful aid to in-depth interviews? The Bristol-Bath railway path (Bristol, UK) was chosen as a case study site and a two phased data collection strategy was implemented. Phase I included on-site intercept surveys with cyclists and pedestrians along the path. Phase II involved a novel mobile method; using video recordings of the participants’ shared-use path journeys as a discussion tool during in- depth interviews. Phase II enabled a more detailed exploration of the path users’ experiences from a personal point of view. By implementing these methods and applying a novel theoretical framework (combining mobilities and social psychology theory), this research has uncovered findings relevant to practice and theory. Exploring path user interactions revealed the types of coping strategies used by the respondents to share space. The findings also highlighted that different sensory aspects are prominent for cyclists and pedestrians. Processes associated with path-user identities and path-identity were also uncovered as important aspects of shared-path experiences. The usefulness of video mobile methods in accessing the experiential aspects of walking and cycling interactions has also been highlighted. The conclusion considers these findings and sets out recommendations including a code of conduct and an identity-influencing strategy for the path, along with ideas for future research. Acknowledgements I would like to give my sincerest thanks to my supervisors; Prof. Graham Parkhurst and Dr Steve Melia, who have helped me greatly during the whole research process by providing thorough, encouraging and insightful support and advice and helping me to develop as a researcher. I am also extremely grateful for the valuable advice and feedback from Dr Kiron Chatterjee. I am particularly thankful to my family, boyfriend and friends who have been wonderfully supportive during the three years, for listening and providing encouragement. I could not have completed it without your positive energies and words of encouragement. I am also very grateful for the support of my fellow PhD colleagues at the University of the West of England who have provided great support through listening, discussing and providing office laughter when needed! I am also thankful to members of the Centre for Transport and Society for their helpful advice and support. Finally, I would like to thank the anonymous research participants for being so helpful and giving up their time to contribute to this research. Copyright This copy has been supplied on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from this thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement. Contents 1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Context and rationale ............................................................................................... 1 1.2 Theoretical Context ................................................................................................... 4 1.3 Research Aims ........................................................................................................... 6 1.4 Thesis outline ............................................................................................................ 7 2.0 Shared-use paths: policy, design and regulation ................................................... 10 2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 10 2.2 Policy context .......................................................................................................... 10 2.3 Shared-use path design ........................................................................................... 18 2.4 Shared-use path regulation .................................................................................... 23 2.4.1 Legal requirements of shared-path users ....................................................... 23 2.4.2 Codes of conduct ............................................................................................ 26 2.4.3 Signage ............................................................................................................ 29 2.5 Chapter Summary ................................................................................................... 30 3.0 Mobilities and Social Interactions Literature ........................................................ 31 3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 31 3.2 The new mobilities paradigm .................................................................................. 32 3.2.1 Flow, rhythm and mobile sensory experiences .............................................. 34 3.2.2 Materiality ....................................................................................................... 39 3.3 Strategies of negotiation and self-presentation ..................................................... 41 3.4 Identities ................................................................................................................. 45 3.4.1 Self-Identity ..................................................................................................... 45 3.4.2 Group relations ............................................................................................... 47 3.4.3 Transport identities ......................................................................................... 48 3.5 Conflict .................................................................................................................... 50 3.5.1 Definition of conflict ....................................................................................... 51 3.5.2 Methodological approach to exploring conflict .............................................. 56 3.6 Chapter Summary and Research Questions ........................................................... 59 3.6.1 Research Questions......................................................................................... 59 4.0 Methodology ...................................................................................................... 61 4.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 61 4.2 Research Strategy ................................................................................................... 61 4.2.1 Theoretical Perspective ................................................................................... 61 4.2.2 Methodological Strategy ................................................................................. 64 4.2.3 Case Study Site ................................................................................................ 67 4.3 Research questions and associated methods ......................................................... 69 4.4 Intercept Survey Method ........................................................................................ 70 4.4.1 Rationale ......................................................................................................... 70 4.4.2 Sampling strategy ............................................................................................ 73 4.4.3 Data collection ................................................................................................ 75 4.4.4 Survey design .................................................................................................. 80 4.4.5 Analysis ........................................................................................................... 82 4.4.6 Post-survey reflections.................................................................................... 83 4.5 In-depth interviews and video recordings .............................................................. 84 4.5.1 Rationale ......................................................................................................... 85 4.5.2 Sampling Strategy
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