“The research conducted by Global Research provided us with valuable insights into the community’s perceptions and reactions to our developing cycleway network. Global’s strength was in the efficient, timely and positive engagement processes it achieved with the community in a challenging environment The findings were presented in an informative manner, allowing us to make more informed decisions towards refining and improving our communications and infrastructure for providing safer cycling transport options for more trips for more people.”
Background and aims
In 2020, The Christchurch City Council wanted to track how the developing cycleway network was perceived by both users and residents living on cycleway routes. To find out how people experience the newly constructed cycleways, CCC commissioned Global Research to repeat and build on a survey they conducted in 2018 which examined cycleway perceptions.
Examining reactions to new cycleways feeds into a broader set of Christchurch City Council aims to provide safe, convenient, comfortable, and attractive options for city travel.
Our role
Global Research designed and hosted an online survey, and engaged with the community in a variety of different ways to get surveys completed.
The captured data were imported into qualitative analysis software for analysis, while quantitative data were presented in clear and accessible charts. Easily understood, engaging and insightful reports were prepared.
Design and method
The survey was distributed to local residents by providing a link to an online survey on postcards that were placed in letterboxes of affected areas. We also deployed a fleet of surveyors to go door to door, and to intercept cyclists using the cycleways. A “stop-station” was set up on cycleway routes where cyclists were invited to complete a short survey on tablets set up for this purpose.
Questioning focused on usability aspects of the cycleways and adjacent roads, behaviour changes that had occurred as a result of new cycleways, and observations on traffic, vehicle speeds, and experiential factors when walking, cycling and driving.
Result
An informative report clearly showed CCC the levels of support for the cycleways under examination. Results showed levels of support for specific stretches of cycleway, from the perspectives of both residents in the area and cyclists moving through that area. Data from 2018 was presented to complement the 2020 dataset, and the comparative findings were outlined.
The report presented respondents’ opinions on the safety, amenity, functionality, and useability of cycleways and adjacent streets, as well as dividing up responses from those who mainly walk, cycle and drive in the areas on major cycleway routes. In this way, a broad set of observations from a range of road users was made available to CCC for planning purposes.
Outcome
CCC continues to use the Global Research findings to support the strengthening of the Christchurch cycleway network so more people can cycle safely and efficiently around the city.