Exploring Social Mobilities: Narratives of Walking and Driving in Auckland, New Zealand

Catherine E. Bean, Robin Kearns and Damian Collins
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Catherine E. Bean: School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1001, New Zealand, cathyebean@yahoo.co.nz
Robin Kearns: School of Geography, Geology and Environmental Science, The University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, 1001, New Zealand, r.kearns@auckland.ac.nz
Damian Collins: Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, damian.collins@ualberta.ca

Urban Studies, 2008, vol. 45, issue 13, 2829-2848

Abstract: Recent studies have discussed the important role of the automobile in shaping contemporary urban social life. This research used a series of focus groups in Auckland, New Zealand, to illuminate the complex social attitudes and values associated with walking as well as driving. While the car is the dominant transport mode in Auckland, the shortcomings as well as the benefits of automobile use and dependence are well known. Moreover, while walking is often difficult in this urban environment, it continues to be perceived as a potentially useful and appropriate means of transport, and as an important and valued social practice. The paper's findings suggest that the positive perceptions of walking, as a facilitator of health and social life, could be built upon by policy-makers to encourage a greater use of this active form of travel.

Date: 2008
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:45:y:2008:i:13:p:2829-2848

DOI: 10.1177/0042098008098208

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