The diversity of cultural backgrounds among UTAS international students may affect individuals' perceptions or attitudes towards cycling within Launceston surrounding areas.

 

Much of the recent conducted research has shown a range of health, financial, environmental and psychological benefits that one can achieve from participating in cycling. Little research has been conducted on the cycling participation among students, particularly international students, who come from different cultural backgrounds. Therefore, the objective of this research is to provide relevant bodies with a clear assessment of the nature of existing cycling participation in Launceston, in particularly among UTAS students, the reason for non-participation and how these could be overcome.

 

Aims:

1. investigate the UTAS students' cultural barriers such as : attitudes, values, beliefs and experiences towards cycling;

2. identify recommendations to increase cycling among UTAS international students.

 

The research on the impact of diverse cultural backgrounds towards cycling participation rates among UTAS international students was guided by a mixed methodological approach. This includes using :

1. direct observation;

2. bike counts;

3. informal peer interviewing sessions

 

 

Factors preventing many international students cycling were found to include:

1. lack of safe and segregated bike infrastructure (especially from UTAS Newnham campus to Inveresk campus);

2. experience of racially based verbal and physical assaults when walking, cycling and riding on public transports;

3. limited access to affordable bikes and bike maintenance, on a short-term ownership or rental basis , for students studying at UTAS;

4. the opportunity to enjoy the driving lifestyle that is unaffordable to many students in their home countries where driving is heavily taxed;

5. possible stigmatisation of cycling in some student's country of origin