The case of mountain bikers: Not all youth experiences in nature lead to the same sense of nature connectednessThis qualitative study investigates youth identity development in a countryside recreation context. Specifically, youth and young adult perspectives on connectedness to nature and the relationships between contact with nature, personal identity, leisure and lifestyle are explored. The authors cite a reduction in countryside-based leisure activities in nature in recent years among young people as one reason for the importance of this research, and a gap in exploring such leisure activities from the perspective of those engaging in the activities.
A case study approach was used to study mountain bikers (n = 40) aged 13 to 25 living and biking in a rural part of East England. Purposeful and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit mountain bikers living within a 15 mile radius of the main case study area. Participants were primarily male (90%) and were able to choose the method in which they engaged in the research, reflecting the ethnographic mindset. As a result, some participants recorded self-directed or interviewer-directed mobile interviews; e.g. audio recorded ride-alongs, however, all participants engaged in some form of traditional semi-structured interview.
A deductive, iterative coding process was employed to identify themes. Respondents indicated that the outdoors or countryside was an integrated part of their leisure identity and lifestyle. While they didn't identify as nature enthusiasts, nature respect and appreciation was a part of their identity as mountain bikers. A second theme that emerged related to the shaping of space, and emotive and cognitive responses derived from engagement with the landscape. Mobility within the landscape gave life to their leisure experience. A final theme that emerged was the heightened awareness of and knowledge about nature and themselves that occurred as respondents interacted with their surroundings.
The study filled a gap in the research related to youth mountain biking and the connection between nature experience and individual identity. While no new theory or model was developed, extant literature and theory was well integrated into the findings. The authors suggest there are policy implications for further work in this area.
The Bottom Line