Student cycle commuting as a spur to bicycle friendly cities

Abstract

The University of South Australia (UniSA) campus at Mawson Lakes offers a demonstration case for integrating the dual issues of building a cycle-friendly image and reality for Adelaide as a place to live and increasing societal attention to making behaviour changes that embrace sustainability. The aim of this paper is to establish a vision for Adelaide of the linkage between universities and the city as a cycle-friendly environment, and to share preliminary findings from one specific campus about student perceptions of cycle commuting opportunities and barriers to participation. First, case study evidence is provided regarding how several European and American 'university towns' have spurred the urban transformation to bicycle-friendly destinations. Second, results of surveys and focus group research undertaken as part of a broader sustainability agenda on one UniSA campus are highlighted as they have implications for the adoption of active cycle commuting. In summation, the paper explores how the Mawson Lakes campus could set a precedent for changing travel behaviour among a university's staff and students, given an assumption that the manner in which other international locales have used student enthusiasm for broader economic development goals can be transferred to an Australian setting.