Understanding all-terrain vehicle users: The human dimensions of ATV use on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador

Waight, Celina F. (2014) Understanding all-terrain vehicle users: The human dimensions of ATV use on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF (Migrated (PDF/A Conversion) from original format: (application/pdf)) - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (2MB) [English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. (Original Version)

Abstract

This research examined the underlying factors that influence the attitudes of ATV users toward the environment, as well as the biophysical and social impacts of the activity. The recreation specialization framework was also deployed to assess how the attitudes and management preferences of ATV users change at different levels of engagement in the activity. Quantitative questionnaires were randomly distributed to ATV users across 35 communities on the Burin Peninsula on the southeast coast of the island of Newfoundland. Results showed that the attitudes of ATV users were primarily driven by beliefs about the environmental and social outcomes of the activity, type of ATV use, social involvement in ATVing, riding frequency, and whether they reside in urban or rural communities. Findings also revealed that experienced ATV users were less likely to agree with the potential impacts of the activity, while novice participants exhibited more concern for the environment, and were more supportive of resource management intervention overall.

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