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Analysing cycling as a social practice: An empirical grounding for behaviour change

Spotswood, Fiona; Chatterton, Tim; Tapp, Alan; Williams, David

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Authors

David Williams



Abstract

© 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Despite significant national and local efforts over the last decade to stimulate uptake of cycling in the UK, levels of cycling (particularly utility cycling) remain at around 2% of journeys. Understanding of cycling behaviour and subsequent development of interventions has typically been undertaken using an individualist approach, often relying on psychologically based models of behaviour. This paper argues that Social Practice Theory (SPT) may be a valuable addition to practitioner's toolboxes by providing an alternative means of understanding the complex dynamics between the elements that constitute the practice of utility cycling, allowing it to be considered as a social issue, rather than focusing solely on individual behaviour. This is demonstrated within the paper by the use of SPT to reanalyse quantitative and qualitative datasets that explore views and experiences of both cyclists and non-cyclists. Therein, the practice of utility cycling is described according to its three elements; materials, meaning and competences and the potential benefits of this approach are discussed; particularly its ideological shift away from 'victim blaming' and its natural support of interdisciplinary intervention design.

Citation

Spotswood, F., Chatterton, T., Tapp, A., & Williams, D. (2015). Analysing cycling as a social practice: An empirical grounding for behaviour change. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 29, 22-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2014.12.001

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Dec 6, 2014
Online Publication Date Jan 21, 2015
Publication Date Feb 1, 2015
Deposit Date Jan 7, 2015
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour
Print ISSN 1369-8478
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 29
Pages 22-33
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2014.12.001
Keywords social practice theory, cycling, behaviour change
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/839149
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2014.12.001

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