Monitoring access control barrier removal on traffic-free walking, wheeling, and cycling routes (2024-2027)
What are access controls and where are they?
Access control barriers are commonly installed on traffic-free walking, wheeling, and cycling routes. The logic behind these barriers is that legitimate users, such as walkers or cyclists on a two wheeled bicycle can get through, whilst illegitimate users such as those on motorcycles cannot. However, in reality this also excludes disabled people who are using wheeled mobility aids such as wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and adapted cycles. This exclusion from traffic-free routes matters because they are often critical components of active travel networks.
Aim of the study
The aim of this research is to understand what happens on traffic-free walking and cycling routes when access controls are removed, both in terms of levels of antisocial behaviour, but also experiences of route users, and specifically disabled users and whether changes in route accessibility impact upon their levels of mobility and related access to local communities and social participation. Recognising that access controls are often implemented after resident complaints; research will also seek to understand local resident experiences of access control removal.
What are we doing in this study?
To achieve this aim, the following methods of data collection will be used:
Machine learning sensors, provided by Vivacity, to monitor levels of legitimate and antisocial use on traffic-free routes pre (12 months) and post (24 months) access control removal. The sensors do not collect personal data, only anonymous counts of mode type and tracking of user paths. These will be used in 6 traffic-free routes where local authorities agree to work with us.
Go-along interviews with disabled residents pre and post access control removal to understand impacts upon mobility.
Resident survey post access control removal to understand broader local experiences.
Why is this research needed?
Councils are reticent to remove barriers due to a fear of an upswing of anti-social behaviour. However, there is no research on what actually happens if these barriers are removed, and therefore this research is important to provide evidence of what happens and how disabled users are affected. This research will allow councils to make informed and evidence-based decisions about traffic-free routes, and support disabled people use the mobility aids they need to get about.
Researchers
Dr. Harrie Larrington-Spencer (Principal Investigator)
Professor Rachel Aldred
Dr. Faye Shortland
Funder
Motability Foundation
Contact Us
Dr Harrie Larrington-Spencer, Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster – h.larrington-spencer@westminster.ac.uk
Dr Faye Shortland, Active Travel Academy, University of Westminster – f.shortland@westminster.ac.uk