Transport in Transport

In Sydney, less than 2% of the population cycle, which is far lower than other cities in Australia and abroad. While working on the Customer Centred Design for a new Metro carriage, I discovered that it is not common for the people of Sydney to mode share (take their bikes on the trains), and bikes aren't allowed on busses. Considering the State and Local Governments plans to encourage more active transport I aimed to capture and observe public transport users who were already pioneering this behaviour to get an understanding of what works and what doesn't work.

Below covers my observations.

https://datapacks.censusdata.abs.gov.au/datapacks/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590198224000629

Lean and Hold

A more common position for bikes and passengers. Many not wanting to move far away from the bike, as leaning it against the poles doesn't seem to be secure enough. I note here that the customer is not holding any handrail herself.

Sit and hold

By this woman's outfit and bike, I'm assuming its expensive. The leaning of the bike with her hand on it while sitting seems to be an awkward position with her arm while also blocking movement for other passengers. This is a more rare position observed.

Vertical Transport

I've noticed many cyclists carrying their bikes up stairs, instead of using the lifts. This Redfern Station customer is clearly fit enough to make the trip up the stairs, however it can be seen here that they are taking up a lot of the width which would block/ slow movement in peak times.

Scooter Storage

Electric scooters are becoming more common across Sydney. This passenger is actually taking up two seats including the priority seat. I wonder if this train were more busy if he would fold his scooter handle to free the seat next to him?

Escalator control

Managing a bike on an escalator must be very difficult. This photo taken at Redfern Station from the platforms with no lift access. I'd love to hear from bike riders how this position helps manoeuvrability or the feelings of safety/ control?

Alone Together

I find this position peculiar. The kick stand means the scooter is leaning away from the wall feels like a fall is imminent. Also and the distance from the owner and to the door creates a stealing opportunity for anyone quick enough.

Skateboard Stability

As the smaller of the transportation options, the skateboard offers a more compact option to take on the train, most hold the board with their arms, but I hadn't seen this arrangement before where the phone and holding the hand rail were prioritised over the boards stability.

Betwixt

This position requires a bit of manoeuvring to achieve as the handle bars would require a twist or that the bike was reversed into position. Either way, this location also takes a three-point turn to exit.

The paradox of the project.

I learnt to ride a bike on gravel roads and didn't cycle on bitumen until I was about 15 and moved to the suburbs. Needless to say, I'm not a person who cycles. My comfort level with cycling is low. I'm also not a good bike rider, I'm clumsy, and generally unaware of my surroundings. So this project also required me to think outside of my own experience, and ask questions.

I'm a bad cyclist -> so I don't cycle -> so I don't get practice-> so I don't improve -> so I remain a bad cyclist.