Transport
Investigating knowledge transfer in the design of active travel infrastructure
Te Ara Mua Future Streets is a controlled intervention study in Māngere, South Auckland. It aims to slow traffic, change driver behaviour and make walking and cycling easier and safer for all residents. This collaborative project, led by Dr Hamish Mackie (Mackie Research) involves local community, transport agency professionals and researchers from universities and private consultancies. Transforming vehicle-focused street infrastructure to support a shift to active travel modes posed a complex interdisciplinary challenge.
Unlocking Transport Innovation: A Sociotechnical Perspective of the Logics of Transport Planning Decision-Making
Not all design innovations proposed for the Te Ara Mua Future Streets intervention were taken up. Based on a case study of a pedestrian crossing design, proposed and ultimately rejected, this research investigates the regulatory and decision-making logics, processes and practices that determine the street design solutions that become part of our built environment and transport infrastructure. A sociotechnical framework is deployed to draw attention to the network of complex and multi-scalar relationships that compose a multi-actor innovation project.
ACTIVATION (Activating Change Through InterVentions for Active Travel In Our Neighbourhoods)
Urban design that enables safe and easy walking, biking, and public transport (active travel) access to the destinations of daily life – work, whānau, friends, public spaces, services, and amenities – can support physical activity, social connections, and for older citizens, ageing in place. However, many neighbourhoods in Aotearoa/New Zealand lack supportive infrastructure and good services and social/cultural interventions are needed. The best mix of interventions to increase active travel and enhance health and wellbeing is at present unknown.
Identifying an effective ‘mix’ is the aim of ACTIVATION, funded by the Aging Well and Healthier Lives National Science Challenges. The research has two study locations, Māngere in South Auckland and central Christchurch. In Māngere this research is aligned with the cross-agency collaboration, Safe & Healthy Streets South Auckland and builds on Te Ara Mua-Future Streets (see above), a longitudinal controlled intervention study.
For further information please contact Professor Karen Witten: k.witten@massey.ac.nz
