Potentials of Non-Motorized Transport as Sustainable Options for Intra Campus Trips Post-Covid19 Era

Abstract

Covid19 pandemic has imposed a new normal in the public bus transit system, which dictates that buses operates below capacity, student shuttle bus is no exception. This study aims at examining the potential of non-motorized transport as sustainable options for intra-campus trips post Covid19 era. The study objectives include examining the use of bicycle as sustainable non-motorized transport mode for intra campus journey, analyse student trip characteristics and perception of student on the use of bicycle as alternative non-motorized mode of travel. Structured questionnaire prepared on google form were shared with the students of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro. Within a period of one week, 319 responses were received and processed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square independent test. Findings revealed that 71.8% of the student travel between and within campus on daily basis, given vehicle modal split of 32.6% motorcycle, 2.2% car, 14.1% shuttle buses and 48.6% walking. The use of bicycle is accepted by 48.3% comprising of 7.5% female and 40.8% male. While 51.7% decline for the reasons of not having one or inability to ride.It also revealed that gender is not independent of preference for bicycle use.The study concludes that bicycle use is an acceptable alternative mode for intra-campus trip and that gender is a factor in the usage of bicycle, it therefore recommends that bicycle intervention programme be introduced among the youth, government and management of tertiary institutions should provide opportunity for youth to access bicycle and develop necessary bicycle infrastructure on campus.