Exploring Cycling Behaviours and Influences: A Study of Junior High School Students in the Effutu Municipality

This study investigated the cycling behaviour of Junior High School students in the Effutu Municipality, exploring the environmental, social, economic, and cultural factors influencing their cycling behaviour. A sample of 300 students was selected using a stratified sampling technique to ensure diverse representation. The instrument utilized was a closed-ended questionnaire that showed good reliability with values of 0.81 and 0.84 for Cronbach’s alpha. The mean, standard deviation, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. The findings disclosed a concerning trend from moderately to highly frequent risky behaviours among students, indicating potential safety issues while cycling. Environmental, social, and economic factors significantly influenced cycling behaviour, with safe bike lanes, peer and parental encouragement, and economic considerations related to cycling facilities contributing positively to students’ likelihood of cycling. Conversely, cultural factors showed minimal influence on cycling behaviour, suggesting that community perceptions are insufficient to drive behaviour change. The results underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance cycling safety and promote positive cycling behaviours among adolescents in the Effutu Municipality. The recommendations include the construction of safer cycling infrastructure, the promotion and advocacy of cycling in schools, and community initiatives to foster a cycling-friendly culture.