‘Everyone rides together, everyone rolls together’: exploring walking and cycling cultures in South Auckland

Abstract

In this study, we use a strengths-based approach to explore the ways that walking and cycling are practised and promoted in Māngere and Ōtara, two ethnically diverse, lower-income suburbs of Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. Using practice theory and positioning our research within a growing body of work on marginalised mobility cultures and the ‘human infrastructure’ of active transport, we find that family-centred, inclusive events; holistic promotion models; and strong volunteering and skills sharing networks are foundations of active mobility in South Auckland. Amongst the barriers to participation that were reported in our study, threats to safety stand out: They include road safety, concerns about personal security and stray dogs. Dealing with these threats requires advanced skills or ‘competences’ to sustain walking and cycling – particularly amongst women. We highlight the ways that infrastructural investment and community funding processes may help to overcome barriers and enable these communities to ‘roll together’.