ABSTRACT

Cycling offers many health-related, environmental, and economic benefits, though rates of participation are low among ethnic minorities. Studying individuals who have successfully adopted the behaviour can provide insight on addressing factors that could influence participation in the activity. This qualitative study aimed to examine experiences and perceptions of a diverse group of recreational cyclists. An online survey with open-ended questions was distributed to members of minority cycling clubs. Questions addressed norms, barriers, supports and stereotypes surrounding cycling. Responses were coded within a social-ecological framework and common themes identified using thematic content analysis. Participants (N = 33) were mostly middle-aged adults and predominantly African American, male, and college educated. Concerning norms around cycling, the most frequent response addressed race-related stereotypes; income was also noted to be a theme, related to disposable income necessary to participate in cycling, as well as sex. Participants responded that cycling clubs could play a role in demonstrating the diversity of participation in cycling. This study provides new insights into the experiences, attitudes and beliefs of ethnic minority cyclists. The main themes that were identified were related to social and cultural norms surrounding participation in this activity and have implications for further promotion of cycling among diverse populations.

摘要

骑自行车提供了许多与健康、环境和经济相关的好处，尽管少数民族的参与率很低。研究成功采用该行为的个人可以提供有关解决可能影响参与活动的因素的见解。这项定性研究旨在检查不同群体的休闲自行车手的经历和看法。向少数族裔自行车俱乐部的成员分发了一项带有开放式问题的在线调查。问题涉及围绕自行车的规范、障碍、支持和刻板印象。响应在社会生态框架内编码，并使用主题内容分析确定共同主题。参与者（N = 33) 主要是中年成年人，主要是非裔美国人、男性和受过大学教育的人。关于骑自行车的规范，最常见的回应是针对与种族相关的刻板印象；收入也是一个主题，与参加骑自行车所需的可支配收入以及性有关。参与者回应说，自行车俱乐部可以在展示自行车参与的多样性方面发挥作用。这项研究为少数民族自行车手的经历、态度和信仰提供了新的见解。确定的主要主题与参与这项活动的社会和文化规范有关，并对进一步促进不同人群之间的自行车运动产生影响。