Providing West Yorkshire Combined Authority with resident insight into cycle hubs to inform planning and development
participants engaged in three online focus groups
focus group with active cyclists
focus groups with those considering cycling more frequently
Challenge
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) had received funding from the government’s Active Travel Fund to deliver a programme of ambitious proposals to create more space for cycling and walking, whilst easing pressure on public transport and congestion on roads.
It allocated part of this funding to develop five cycle hubs in West Yorkshire and wished to consult with members of the public who cycle to understand what they think the purpose of a cycle hub is, what services should be available at cycle hubs, and what would encourage them to use one. Enventure Research was commissioned to deliver research consulting with West Yorkshire residents about this topic.
Approach
Three online focus groups with residents were moderated by Enventure Research. Participants were broadly representative of the local community in terms of age, gender and ethnicity, with all five West Yorkshire local authorities represented. One group was held specifically with those identified as ‘active cyclers’ (regular bike users) and two groups were held with ‘active considerers’ (those who said they could be encouraged to use a bike more often). A further focus group was delivered by the Combined Authority with officers from West Yorkshire councils.
Two focus group discussion guides were developed and used to moderate the groups, exploring participants’ cycling habits and knowledge of cycle hubs, followed by discussion around what services hubs could offer, where they should be located, and proposed opening times. Focus groups were recorded with participants’ consent to allow later playback and analysis.
Outcome
All feedback provided in the focus groups (including the council officer group moderated by WYCA) was analysed by Enventure Research and compiled into a report provided to WYCA. The research provided important insight into what residents would expect and like to see in cycle hubs, with suggestions including cycle hire, maintenance workshops, café facilities and charging points for electric bikes.
The findings were used to inform the planning and development of cycle hubs across the region.
“This was a fascinating piece of research that provided valuable insight into how residents view cycling and the role that cycle hubs could play in encouraging more people to travel actively. The research generated a number of interesting findings and practical recommendations, highlighting the importance of accessibility, affordability, training, secure bike storage, and creating welcoming community spaces. It was a pleasure to work with West Yorkshire Combined Authority on this project and help inform the development of cycle hubs that have the potential to support healthier, more sustainable travel across the region.”
Insightful research. Expertly delivered.
