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Quantifying the role and prominence of nature in cycling experiences and practices

Cairns, Mel

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Abstract

Cycling and nature offer individuals health and wellbeing benefits, as well as the potential to contribute to local, national and global sustainability goals. Sometimes cycling and nature coincide, e.g., cycling through ‘natural’ landscapes or on urban greenways, but the role that perceived nature plays in cycling experiences, outcomes and decision-making has not been sufficiently quantified. In addition, the potential of cycling to afford opportunities for nature connection has been under-explored. This paper presents findings of the first phase of a doctoral research project using mixed methods, which comprised a survey of adult residents of the West of England who had cycled recently (n = 260). This phase of the research aimed to contextualise further qualitative findings within a pragmatic interpretivist approach. It also represents a context-specific attempt to build on existing literature by quantitatively measuring the different ways in which nature plays a role in cycling experiences in a specific local area. The characteristics of the sample are presented and compared with those of published national representative surveys. Findings, based on primarily descriptive analysis, indicate that nature is a motivation to cycle for a substantial proportion of participants. The vast majority reported nature contributed prominently and positively to their cycling experiences at least sometimes, and that nature connectedness ‘pathway’ experiences were common across different cycling activities. Nature enhanced desirable cycling experiences and outcomes such as wellbeing, enjoyment and a sense of escape for most cyclists. Many of these findings were more widespread among female than male participants, and during leisure and sport cycling more than cycling for transport. Overall, nature plays an important and positive role in many cycling experiences in the West of England, especially for leisure and sport cycling.

Presentation Conference Type Presentation / Talk
Conference Name EURA Healthy Cities
Start Date Jun 10, 2025
End Date Jun 13, 2025
Acceptance Date Mar 31, 2025
Deposit Date Jul 4, 2025
Publicly Available Date Jul 8, 2025
Peer Reviewed Not Peer Reviewed
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/14676046
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:

SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages

SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

SDG 13 - Climate Action

Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

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