By Mel Cairns
Background
Two Briefing Notes have recently been published on the UWE repository, outlining recommendations for integrating nature contact and connection into the planning, design and delivery of cycling environments, activities and promotion. The aim is to maximise the health and wellbeing benefits people can get from cycling, increase nature connection and improve cycling experiences.
The Briefing Notes were drafted based on my doctoral research about the role of nature for cyclists and a recent workshop with interested professionals, facilitated by myself, my supervisor, Professor Issy Bray from UWE’s Centre for Public Health and Wellbeing, my Director of Studies, Professor Justin Spinney, and Dr. Asa Thomas from Centre for Transport and Society. The notes are aimed at people who are working or volunteering in relevant roles, especially in the West of England and similar areas, and are available here:
Please share them with any colleagues and contacts who might be interested in using them in their work, such as urban and transport planners, designers and delivery teams, cycling campaigns, group ride leaders and anyone working in cycle promotion. A Nature Connection and Cycling LinkedIn group has been set up to facilitate the sharing of resources and case studies. Please contact me if you would like to join.
About the research
My doctoral research formed the basis of the workshop content. The research used mixed methods to investigate and describe the role of nature in cycling experiences, outcomes and decision-making, through analysis of data generated with cyclists here in the West of England. The research findings show that nature is a common and valued, yet underacknowledged, contributor to the wellbeing outcomes of cycling.
The aesthetics, change and unpredictability of nature add interest to familiar routes and can draw attention in positive ways. When cyclists are able to notice and appreciate nature-rich environments that feel safe, they report positive experiences, ‘feeling better’ as a result. Even short sections of a route that enable these experiences can make a difference to cyclists. These positive experiences and outcomes can motivate some cycling, particularly for leisure, as well as being a factor in route choice across cycling activities. Conference presentations of the research findings can be found here: https://people.uwe.ac.uk/Person/melcairns
Workshop insights
My supervisor, Justin Spinney, secured funding from UWE’s Public Engagement and Knowledge Exchange Fund to collaborate with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) on the workshop. Participants included employees of WECA, local councils, the Welsh government, the National Trust, NHS and independent consultants and ride leaders, for example. They gave feedback and discussed how best to share findings and apply the insights. These discussions informed the development of the briefing notes.
A key concern raised during the workshop was the importance of balancing differing needs and priorities, particularly in terms of considering groups that may be more vulnerable or marginalised when it comes to cycling and/or nature access. Nature may be more of a barrier for these groups, so integrating nature and cycling (e.g., through rewilding along routes) risks further marginalising them, raising concerns about the equitable use of funds and resources. Human needs and preferences can also clash with optimal nature protection. There’s no simple, one-size-fits-all solution to these issues so these cautions have been included in the briefing notes as a case-by-case consideration.
Positive stories about cycling, including in relation to nature, and easier ways to find nature-rich routes that meet cyclists’ needs were also identified as enablers to encouraging cycling cultures and practices and improving cycling experiences. Participant comments, as noted and paraphrased by facilitators, included:
“Examples of good practice in highlighting nature are important to make the case.”
“Wayfinding on off-road routes needs to show what facilities are nearby. This needs to be well signed to ensure inclusion and encourage people to use such routes, showing that services might be closer to the routes than they might think.”
“Champions and storytellers within organisations can help normalise cycling and increase how it is valued by the organisational culture.”
Another issue raised by participants was about how guidance, regulations, appraisal processes, funding mechanisms and professional practices often prioritise transport, engineering or biodiversity outcomes in isolation, making it difficult to recognise and deliver the benefits of nature connection in active travel infrastructure schemes. Participants also noted limited awareness of nature connection principles and benefits among decisionmakers and delivery teams. It is hoped that these briefing notes will help to address this concern and make the case for greater integration.
Overall, the workshop was a really positive and enjoyable session. One of the facilitators commented: “The interest and enthusiasm of workshop participants was energising and several expressed appreciation for the opportunity to come together and share learning about this under-explored topic.”
We are extremely grateful to West of England Combined Authority (WECA) for their support and collaboration in planning and delivering the workshop, as well as to all the participants and the funder.