A new research paper led by Dr Emily Tupper of the Moving Bodies Lab sheds light on how volunteer-led walking and cycling programmes help people access and stay engaged in physical activity.
Focusing on two Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) initiatives, the research used ethnographic methods to explore what happens before participants even begin walking or cycling. Rather than concentrating solely on the activity itself, it provided a detailed account of the often-overlooked “edges” of participation – those vital moments of preparation, interaction and support that make involvement possible.
The findings showed that successful engagement depends on complex “configurations of care” involving volunteers and participants. These include practical and emotional support, the use of assistive technologies, attention to timing and routines, and even subtle forms of physical guidance. Together, these elements help reduce barriers to participation and enable continued involvement in movement-based programmes.
They also revealed how access to physical activity is not simply about providing opportunities, but about the relationships and care structures that surround them. By highlighting these dynamics, the research offers new insights into how community programmes can better support diverse participants.
The authors (which include Cassie Phoenix, Tessa Pollard, Sarah Atkinson – also members of the Moving Bodies Lab) argue for the value of more creative, “aesthetic” approaches in qualitative research to inform how such programmes are designed, delivered and evaluated in the future.
This work contributes to growing efforts to make community-based physical activity more inclusive, accessible and sustainable.
Early discussions which helped inspire the paper, emerged from the care aesthetics and moving bodies workshop in June 2024, co-hosted by the Moving Bodies and Visual & Material Labs. We appreciate the contributions to these discussions from Fiona Johnstone (Visual & Material Lab Lead) and the workshop participants.
