Factors Affecting Elementary School Children's Preferences for Cycling to School; Case Study: Tehran City

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Urbanism, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author).

2 M.A. in Urban Design, Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/aaud.2023.318964.2591

Abstract

Facilitating cycling for children is of strategic importance in the development of cycling culture. In the present research, the main research question is What are the factors enhancing elementary school males' preferences for cycling to school? It is necessary to simultaneously pay attention to items such as amending protective laws, social encouragement, and improving the quality of cycling infrastructure, in the form of a master plan. The present study aims to investigate how to develop cycling under indigenous conditions in Iran with an emphasis on elementary schools. By investigating factors affecting the use of bicycles, identifying the obstacles to it, and providing suggestions for improving relevant cultural and social conditions, enhancing the quality of cycle paths, creating bike parking, and so on, the present research attempts to find realistic solutions to improve the adults' attitude toward cycling to encourage their children to cycle to their schools as well as to places within the neighborhood. For this purpose, 14 variables related to children's preferences for cycling are identified through documentary studies and unstructured interviews. Next, using a structured questionnaire and asking 256 students from seven elementary schools, the variables were statistically measured, and then, classified into four personal, environmental, social, and functional factors through exploratory factor analysis. Results indicate that functional factors not only have the most impact on the development of cycling but are also effective in improving other indicators. Finally, a model is developed and explained for promoting children's preferences for cycling through explanatory-exploratory analysis.

Keywords

References

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Armanshahr Architecture & Urban Development
Volume 16, Issue 42
June 2023
Pages 197-210

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History

  • Receive Date: 11 December 2021
  • Revise Date: 11 July 2022
  • Accept Date: 21 March 2023

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