Exploring community engagement at RAD Bikes.

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
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Date
2024
Authors
Evans, Lisa
Robertson, Genna
Eguren, Vera
Conley, Ben
Mortimer, Polly
Abstract

• Context: RAD (Recycle a Dunger) Bikes is a not-for-profit community bike workshop located in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, dedicated to promoting community bike recycling and repair. By providing accessible resources and education, RAD Bikes aims to address local transportation challenges and foster community engagement.

• Research Question(s): This study explores two key questions: 1) What demographics does RAD Bikes currently serve, and 2) What strategies can RAD Bikes implement to reach underrepresented groups?

• Summary of Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from surveys distributed with qualitative insights gained from in-depth interviews with volunteers and stakeholders.

• Key Findings: RAD Bikes is praised for its sense of community but faces challenges in diversity and outreach. Most participants were male and New Zealand European, highlighting the need for targeted outreach to women and minority groups. Geographic reach was limited, suggesting opportunities for growth in underrepresented areas.

• Shortcomings: Low survey response rates and sampling bias, due to self-selection and logistical constraints, limited the diversity of the data. Geographic representation was insufficient for a comprehensive spatial analysis.

• Suggestions for Future Research: Extending survey duration, addressing logistical barriers, and employing broader outreach methods would improve data diversity and depth, enabling more comprehensive spatial and graphical analysis.

Description
A report produced for RAD Bikes as part of the GEOG309 Research for Resilient Environments and Communities course (Department of Geography, University of Canterbury)
Citation
'Eguren V, Conley B, Robertson G, Evans L and Mortimer P, 2024, A study exploring community engagement at RAD Bikes. A report produced for RAD Bikes as part of the GEOG309 Research for Resilient Environments and Communities course, University of Canterbury, 2024.
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Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
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All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.