Encouraging active identities and lifestyles: the spatialities of youth mountain biking

Authors: King, K.

Editors: Shipway, R. and Fyall, A.

Publisher: Routledge

Place of Publication: London

ISBN: 978-0415672399

Abstract:

Recent political discourses have highlighted the benefits to health associated with particular active leisure activities resulting in several national initiatives to encourage increased participation by particular under-represented groups. This chapter presents research findings from the evaluation of a government health initiative in England which aimed to increase young people’s participation in sport and physical activity by promoting mountain biking at a forest location in the UK. The evaluation of the Active England project at Bedgebury forest, Kent employed an innovative mobile methodology to capture youth experiences and understandings of mountain biking. Drawing upon social and cultural geographical research, this chapter argues that efforts to engage young people in active leisure are dependent upon creating a culture of physical activity in spaces which appeal to their own identities and lifestyles .

Source: Manual

Preferred by: Katherine King