Thesis
Opening conversations between road users : how can motor vehicle drivers be engaged in active mobility research?
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2025
- Thesis identifier
- T17505
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 202363730
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Background: An effective way to integrate physical activity into the daily routine is through active travel. However, the switching daily travel habits for example, from driving to cycling, is not simple. Global and national goals aim to reduce the number of motorised vehicles in cities and increase active modes of travel to make greener, more inclusive spaces for more active modes of movement. However, there is a knowledge gap on how to engage motor vehicle drivers - the group with the largest potential to increase levels of physical activity - in more active modes of movement. Aim: To understand ways motor vehicle drivers can be engaged in active mobility research. Method: This research comprises of two sequential stages. Firstly, a scoping review was carried out to identify and map methods used to engage motor vehicle drivers in research while close or in their vehicles. Data and key themes were identified from the studies and processed into visual diagrams to help initiate discussion about methods between academic researchers and external stakeholders. Secondly, an experimental appraisal of methods was undertaken through an interdisciplinary lens. Results from this scoping review along with research methods practiced by colleagues within Strathclyde’s Active Mobility Hub were presented and discussed with other research colleagues, members of the city council and transport focused organisations. This tested an initial appraisal with stakeholders who have experience engaging with road users in practice. Results: Within this scoping review 33 papers were identified referencing road users and intercept methods. Different characterises of methods were reviewed to begin to identify ways to engage road users. The review found that intercept methods are a way in which researchers can get close to drivers while in or near their vehicles along with other road users. However, due to safety measures, drivers are more often being approached at destinations rather than en route. Along with targeting drivers, intercept methods have been used to approach other road users in active mobility research. These take place in public environments, and this can limit the amount and type of information which can be collected by surveyors. From initiating a discussion with stakeholders, feedback on how methods could be integrated to support city policy and practices were initiated. This collaboration further developed ideas on how to engage members of the public ‘in situ’ using more qualitative novel and arts-based methods. Discussion and conclusions: This research has opened discussions about methods used in different disciplines and how these can used to engage road users in research. The limited number of examples of studies engaging motor vehicle drivers in active mobility research presents a gap in research methods. There is an opportunity in using intercept methods to gain proximity to drivers and gather their opinions, however, further research is required to evaluate how to do this safely and effectively in a location.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Harrington, Deirdre
- Ferguson, Neil S.
- Resource Type
- DOI
- Funder
- Embargo Note
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File | 2025-10-24 | University of Strathclyde |