It is hypothesised that the transport needs of young people are not effectively met by transport policy and provision and that this is particularly acute in rural areas. As lifestyles have changed and children increasingly want to tap into new and exciting activities there are many issues that face young people who do not drive or own their own car. The experiences of children living in urban areas are likely to differ from those in rural areas; therefore it is important to understand the issues in these terms. The study has focused on young people's travel to leisure facilities, an often neglected issue, rather than school journeys which have already been examined in great detail in previous research. Young people were asked to identify their wants and needs in terms of transport, and to consider how things can be improved so as to reduce the number of difficulties they face when accessing leisure activities. Furthermore, it aimed to identify and explore the influences that affect young people, such as parents, peers, location and social background, as a way of understanding the context behind young people's attitudes towards, and their choice concerning, transport. It provides an analysis of the types of consultation used to talk to young people used in the research and has enabled the identification of the most appropriate ways in which to engage in discussion with young people and those methods to which they most efficiently respond. This will help in future promotion of the involvement of young people in consultation and decision-making processes. (Author/publisher)
Abstract