What gets measured gets what? The work of cycling indicators in a local government initiative

Abstract

Sustainable transport is an increasing focus for planning authorities, and New Zealand's local authorities have been developing initiatives to encourage more sustainable forms of mobility. This study focuses on a cycling initiative in a provincial local authority that extensively relied on a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) programme. We argue that M&E programmes are often black boxed and there is little understanding of how they work within organisations. Drawing on work from the sociology of quantification, this study examines the multiple translations that the M&E underwent and the actors involved in it, in order for it to become useful and accessible.

Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and psychological wellbeing among young adults in Bangladesh: A one-year prospective study

“…While recreational PA is important, it is also essential to address how government can support transport-related PA such as walking and bicycling. Sustainable transport systems encouraging active transport can help reduce SB and foster PA (Ainsworth & Macera 2018;Henry & Scott 2017;Pucher & Dijkstra 2003). More than half of the participants in this current research project perceived the poor condition of footpaths as barriers to PA.…”