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Social Inclusive Bicycle Riding in Multicultural Australia (Australia)

This research report by Dr Siew-Fang Law, Victoria University, was written in July 2011. The research investigates cultural differences in attitudes and perceptions of cycling with recently arrived migrants, refugees and international students. The research focuses on people from Japanese, Vietnamese, Sri Lankan and Arab African backgrounds, residing in Melbourne.

Data gathered from the mixed methodology found that these culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups are less likely to take up bicycling in Australia than their countries of origin. They are more likely to ride bicycles to school, shopping, visit friends and for exercise in their home countries than in Australia. They also found riding bicycles back home was more affordable than riding in Australia. Moreover people from CALD communities perceive greater danger riding bicycles on the roads in Australia, especially due to the greater speed of vehicles and way bicycle lanes operate in Australia. In addition, some people from CALD communities associate lower social status with cycling in their culture. However, a shift of such perception occurred after residing in Australia, and some have accepted the fact that professionals could still choose to ride bicycles to work in Australia.

This research asked participants about the practicality of cycling in daily basis. Data showed that convenience, distance of travel, weather and the availability of other forms of transport, are some of the influences on choice of transport for the CALD groups in Australia. Many of them reside in suburbs further from the city, which makes riding to work much harder. The availability of efficient public transport in Australia has also contributed to the pull factor for many potential CALD cyclists.

The research found that younger people from CALD communities are more likely to ride bicycles than older members; and males are more likely to ride bicycles than females. The research found some cultural and religious constraints on female cyclists.

By investigating the impact of cultural values on the perception and attitudes of CALD groups in Australia towards cycling, local government and cycling advocacy groups and organisations could better understand what is needed to develop strategies to further promote, encourage and support CALD communities to participate in cycling in Australia. For example, local governments may consider increasing the number of, and improving the quality of, bicycle lanes for all cyclists, including in suburbs further from CBD where most newly arrived migrants and refugees reside. Local council may consider investing in, or provide support some of the start up costs for lower income people (i.e. to buy a helmet, bicycle lock and light), as a strategy to encourage more people riding more often.

There is a perception amongst some people from CALD communities that cycling in Australia is socially exclusive, elitist sporting activity, requiring specialised clothing and equipment. Some participants commented on their preference on a less professional and more casual cycling experience in Australia. The idea of collective cycling among friends and family could be considered as a way to kick start cycling participation among the CALD communities. Local government may organise bicycle riding events in conjunction with local cultural festivals.

It would be beneficial to promote the participation of cycling in different languages. These could range from printing of brochure to running "cycling workshops‟. Cycling information and resources maybe make available through local Migrant Resource Centres and Refugee Community Organisations. Bicycling event organisers may consider involving various community leaders and women groups to co-host and co-organise collective cycling events.

There is a perceived socially exclusive, high standard and fast cycling identity in Australia by the CALD communities. Some participants commented on their preference on a less professional and more casual cycling experience in Australia. The idea of collective cycling among friends and family could be considered as a way to kick start cycling participation among the CALD communities. Local government may organise bicycle riding events in conjunction with local cultural festivals.

Social Inclusive Bicycle Riding in Multicultural Australia | 804KB PDF