Growth of cycling in Brisbane during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic drew considerable attention to urban transport issues. Many people turned to active transport as a means of achieving social distancing and avoiding infection on buses and trains, which led to an increase in cycling. This article recounts a qualitative study conducted in Brisbane, Australia, which explores the motivations behind people’s decision to take up cycling during the pandemic. Can this behaviour be sustained and scaled-up after the pandemic? To analyse the process of change, the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) was adopted. The research revealed that the decision to switch to cycling was driven by several factors, including enjoyment, convenience, improved physical and mental health, and, to a much lesser extent, cost savings and environmental benefits. The availability of cycling infrastructure and support from others were also important factors. While most participants appeared committed to continuing cycling in the future, the lines between the stages of change were not always clear.