Senior Lecturer
Postgraduate Course Director
Email angela.curl@otago.ac.nz
Department of Population Health
University of Otago, Christchurch
PO Box 4345
Christchurch 8140
Background
Angela is a social scientist interested in the relationships between urban environments, transport and health. She is particularly interested in how public policies, particularly in transport, urban planning and housing, can address health inequalities and transport disadvantage.
Angela undertakes research exploring perceptions and experiences of accessibility and how these interact with the built environment to influence outcomes, such as travel behaviour, transport disadvantage, physical activity, health and wellbeing, for different population groups. Her research focuses particularly the experiences of older adults and lower income groups.
Angela uses both quantitative and qualitative social research methodologies and is particularly interested in novel methodological approaches, including those that utilise GIS.
Her current research projects include:
- Older adults’ experiences of the pedestrian environment, particularly in relation to falling and fear of falling
- Health and social impacts of new transport technologies, including autonomous vehicles, bicycle-sharing, and e-scooters
- Incorporating social and distributional impact assessment into transport policy (Ministry of Transport)
She previously lectured in Health Geography at the University of Canterbury and worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Urban Studies at the University of Glasgow and at the OPENspace research centre at the University of Edinburgh. She completed her PhD in Geography at the Centre for Transport Research at the University of Aberdeen. Prior to this she worked as a transport planner.
Teaching
Angela teaches papers in the Diploma of Public Health.
- PUBH 714 Public Policy and Health Systems
- PUBH 723 Survey Methods
- PUBH 733 Environmental Health (2021)
She is interested in supervising PhD and masters’ theses in a range of areas, such as:
- Urban environments, urban planning and health
- Built environment (including accessibility) and health
- Social inclusion and transport deprivation.
- Perceptions and experiences of mobility and accessibility
- Sustainable and active travel
- Age-friendly cities
- Health and social impacts of new transport technologies
Professional activities / memberships
- Editorial board of Journal of Transport Geography (book review editor)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
- Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
- Member of Transportation Group (EngineeringNZ)
- Member and branch Committee Member – Public Health Association
- Member of New Zealand Geographical Society
Student supervision
Current supervision
Student: Williams, N.
Degree: PhD (in progress)
Topic: How can gender sensitive transport planning and design improve social equity and community health outcomes?
Student: Thomas, J.
Degree: Master of Public Health
Dissertation Topic: Access to Active Transport and Self-Perceived Mental Health in Christchurch, New Zealand
Completed PhD
2021
Student: Prana, A.
Degree: PhD
Topic: Supporting Communities to Adapt to a Flooding Environment in Jakarta
2018
Student: Macleod, M.
Degree: PhD
Topic: Understanding the rise and impact of food banks within the welfare state: A comparative study between Scotland and Finland
Completed Masters
2020
Student: Gibson, Hebe
Topic: Contested boundaries: E-scooter riders’ and pedestrians’ experiences of sharing space
2019
Student: Mukherjee, W.
Topic: Shared mobility: the future of public transport
Student: McCone, E.
Topic: Is there a relationship between school student’s transport patterns and perceptions, and a significant school restructure/relocation?
2018
Student: Dares, C.
Topic: BEYOND the FORTRESS: Dis/ability, Community and Care
Student: Moore, C.
Topic: Resilience and Accessibility in post-earthquake Christchurch
2017
Student: Slaughter, H.
Topic: Generating actionable intelligence and meaningful data from a Smart Cities project
Student: Douglas-Clifford, A.
Topic: Passenger Transport Perceptions and Crowdsourcing
2014
Student: Currie, A.
Topic: Motivations and Barriers to female cycling in Glasgow
Student: McCartney, D.
Topic: Identifying locations for cycle routes in Glasgow
Completed Honours
2018
Hackett, G.
Topic: Female experiences of cycling in Christchurch
2017
Cox, D.
Topic: Is there evidence of forced car ownership in Christchurch, New Zealand?
Publications
Walker, L., & Curl, A. (2021). Social and distributional impact assessment in transport policy. In R. Vickerman (Ed.), International encyclopedia of transportation: (Vol. 6): Transport policy and planning. (pp. 361-367). Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-102671-7.10773-0
Curl, A., Watkins, A., McKerchar, C., Exeter, D., & Macmillan, A. (2020). Social impact assessment of mode shift [NZ Transport Agency research report 666]. Commissioned by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Wellington, New Zealand: Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. 113p. Retrieved from https://www.nzta.govt.nz
Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2020). Same same, but different? Cycling and e-scootering in a rapidly changing urban transport landscape. New Zealand Geographer, 76, 194-206. doi: 10.1111/nzg.12271
Fitt, H., & Curl, A. (2020). The early days of shared micromobility: A social practices approach. Journal of Transport Geography, 86, 102779. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2020.102779
Watkins, A., Curl, A., Mavoa, S., Tomintz, M., Todd, V., & Dicker, B. (2020). A socio-spatial analysis of pedestrian falls in Aotearoa New Zealand. Social Science & Medicine. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113212
Edited Book - Research
Curl, A., & Musselwhite, C. (Eds.). (2018). Geographies of transport and ageing. Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan, 254p. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-76360-6
Chapter in Book - Research
Walker, L., & Curl, A. (2021). Social and distributional impact assessment in transport policy. In R. Vickerman (Ed.), International encyclopedia of transportation: (Vol. 6): Transport policy and planning. (pp. 361-367). Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-102671-7.10773-0
Costantini, A., Thomopoulos, N., Steibel, F., Curl, A., Lugano, G., & Kováčiková, T. (2020). Autonomous vehicles in a GDPR era: An international comparison. In Advances in transport policy and planning. Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/bs.atpp.2020.02.005
Curl, A., & Clark, J. (2019). Health, wellbeing and quality of life. In I. Docherty & J. Shaw (Eds.), Transport matters. (pp. 177-204). Bristol, UK: Policy Press.
Clark, J., & Curl, A. (2019). Transport, urban regeneration and health. In I. Vojnovic, A. L. Pearson, G. Asiki, G. DeVerteuil & A. Allen (Eds.), Handbook of global urban health. (pp. 643-661). New York, NY: Routledge.
Musselwhite, C., & Curl, A. (2018). Geographical perspectives on transport and ageing. In A. Curl & C. Musselwhite (Eds.), Geographies of transport and ageing. (pp. 3-24). Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-76360-6_1
Curl, A., Tilley, S., & Van Cauwenberg, J. (2018). Walking with older adults as a geographical method. In A. Curl & C. Musselwhite (Eds.), Geographies of transport and ageing. (pp. 171-195). Cham, Switzerland: Palgrave Macmillan. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-76360-6_8
Journal - Research Article
Curl, A., Fitt, H., & Tomintz, M. (2020). Experiences of the built environment, falls and fear of falling outdoors among older adults: An exploratory study and future directions. International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health, 17(4), 1224. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17041224
Fitt, H., & Curl, A. (2020). The early days of shared micromobility: A social practices approach. Journal of Transport Geography, 86, 102779. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2020.102779
Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2020). Same same, but different? Cycling and e-scootering in a rapidly changing urban transport landscape. New Zealand Geographer, 76, 194-206. doi: 10.1111/nzg.12271
Kingham, S., Curl, A., & Banwell, K. (2020). Streets for transport and health: The opportunity of a temporary road closure for neighbourhood connection, activity and wellbeing. Journal of Transport & Health, 18, 100872. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2020.100872
Watkins, A., Curl, A., Mavoa, S., Tomintz, M., Todd, V., & Dicker, B. (2020). A socio-spatial analysis of pedestrian falls in Aotearoa New Zealand. Social Science & Medicine. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113212
Curl, A., & Mason, P. (2019). Neighbourhood perceptions and older adults’ wellbeing: Does walking explain the relationship in deprived urban communities? Transportation Research Part A, 123, 119-129. doi: 10.1016/j.tra.2018.11.008
van der Vlugt, A.-L., Curl, A., & Wittowsky, D. (2019). What about the people? Developing measures of perceived accessibility from case studies in Germany and the UK. Applied Mobilities, 4(2), 142-162. doi: 10.1080/23800127.2019.1573450
Kearns, A., Whitley, E., & Curl, A. (2019). Occupant behaviour as a fourth driver of fuel poverty (aka warmth & energy deprivation). Energy Policy, 129, 1143-1155. doi: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.03.023
Fitt, H., Curl, A., Dionisio, M. R., Ahuriri-Driscoll, A., & Pawson, E. (2019). Considering the wellbeing implications for an ageing population of a transition to automated vehicles. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 30, 100382. doi: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2019.100382
MacLeod, M. A., Curl, A., & Kearns, A. (2019). Understanding the prevalence and drivers of food bank use: Evidence from deprived communities in Glasgow. Social Policy & Society, 18(1), 67-86. doi: 10.1017/S1474746418000064
Curl, A., Clark, J., & Kearns, A. (2018). Household car adoption and financial distress in deprived urban communities: A case of forced car ownership? Transport Policy, 65, 61-71. doi: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2017.01.002
Curl, A. (2018). The importance of understanding perceptions of accessibility when addressing transport equity: A case study in Greater Nottingham, UK. Journal of Transport & Land Use, 11(1), 1147-1162. doi: 10.5198/jtlu.2018.1003
Curl, A., Kearns, A., Macdonald, L., Mason, P., & Ellaway, A. (2018). Can walking habits be encouraged through area-based regeneration and relocation? A longitudinal study of deprived communities in Glasgow, UK. Journal of Transport & Health, 10, 44-55. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2018.06.004
Curl, A., & Kearns, A. (2017). Housing improvements, fuel payment difficulties and mental health in deprived communities. International Journal of Housing Policy, 17(3), 417-443. doi: 10.1080/14616718.2016.1248526
Clark, J., & Curl, A. (2016). Bicycle and car share schemes as inclusive modes of travel? A socio-spatial analysis in Glasgow, UK. Social Inclusion, 4(3), 83-99. doi: 10.17645/si.v4i3.510
Egan, M., Kearns, A., Katikireddi, S. V., Curl, A., Lawson, K., & Tannahill, C. (2016). Proportionate universalism in practice? A quasi-experimental study (GoWell) of a UK neighbourhood renewal programme's impact on health inequalities. Social Science & Medicine, 152, 41-49. doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.01.026
Curl, A., Thompson, C. W., Alves, S., & Aspinall, P. (2016). Outdoor environmental supportiveness and older people’s quality of life: A personal projects approach. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, 30(1), 1-16. doi: 10.1080/02763893.2015.1087925
Curl, A., Thompson, C. W., Aspinall, P., & Omerod, M. (2016). Developing an audit checklist to assess outdoor falls risk. Urban Design & Planning, 169(DP3), 138-153. doi: 10.1680/udap.14.00056
Mason, P., Curl, A., & Kearns, A. (2016). Domains and levels of physical activity are linked to adult mental health and wellbeing in deprived neighbourhoods: A cross-sectional study. Mental Health & Physical Activity, 11, 19-28. doi: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2016.07.001
Curl, A., Thompson, C. W., & Aspinall, P. (2015). The effectiveness of 'shared space' residential street interventions on self-reported activity levels and quality of life for older people. Landscape & Urban Planning, 139, 117-125. doi: 10.1016/j.landurbplan.2015.02.019
Curl, A., & Kearns, A. (2015). Can housing improvements cure or prevent the onset of health conditions over time in deprived areas? BMC Public Health, 15(1), 1191. doi: 10.1186/s12889-015-2524-5
Curl, A., & Kearns, A. (2015). Financial difficulty and mental wellbeing in an age of austerity: The experience in deprived communities. Social Policy & Society, 14(2), 217-240. doi: 10.1017/S1474746414000475
Curl, A., Nelson, J. D., & Anable, J. (2015). Same question, different answer: A comparison of GIS-based journey time accessibility with self-reported measures from the National Travel Survey in England. Computers, Environment & Urban Systems, 49, 86-97. doi: 10.1016/j.compenvurbsys.2013.10.006
Curl, A., Kearns, A., Mason, P., Egan, M., Tannahill, C., & Ellaway, A. (2015). Physical and mental health outcomes following housing improvements: Evidence from the GoWell study. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 69(1), 12-19. doi: 10.1136/jech-2014-204064
Thompson, C. W., Curl, A., Aspinall, P., Alves, S., & Zuin, A. (2014). Do changes to the local street environment alter behaviour and quality of life of older adults? The 'DIY Streets' intervention. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(13), 1059-1065. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2012-091718
Curl, A., Nelson, J. D., & Anable, J. (2011). Does accessibility planning address what matters? A review of current practice and practitioner perspectives. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 2, 3-11. doi: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2011.07.001
Journal - Research Other
Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2019). Will driverless cars be good for us? Now is the time for public health to act together with urban and transport planning. Journal of Global Health, 9(2), 020303. doi: 10.7189/jogh.09.020303
Curl, A., & Davison, L. (2014). Transport Geography: Perspectives upon entering an accomplished research sub-discipline. Journal of Transport Geography, 38, 100-105. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2014.05.018
Davison, L., & Curl, A. (2014). A transport and health geography perspective on walking and cycling. Journal of Transport & Health, 1(4), 341-345. doi: 10.1016/j.jth.2014.09.001
Curl, A., Nelson, J., & Anable, J. (2012). Does accessibility planning address what matters? A response to Derek Halden by Curl, Nelson and Anable. Research in Transportation Business & Management, 3, 84. doi: 10.1016/j.rtbm.2012.04.003
Journal - Professional & Other Non-Research Articles
Curl, A., & Lucas, K. (2016). The transport geography research group at the 2015 RGS-IBG conference. Journal of Transport Geography, 51, 227-228. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2016.01.009
Pangbourne, K., Lucas, K., & Curl, A. (2015). Transport Geography Research Group at the 2014 RGS-IBG conference. Journal of Transport Geography, 42, 191-192. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2014.10.007
Conference Contribution - Published proceedings: Abstract
Curl, A., Watkins, A., & Dares, C. (2020). A participatory approach to making sense of the risk of falls in outdoor spaces. Proceedings of the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) Biennial Conference. (pp. 49-50). Retrieved from https://nzgsconference2020.gitlab.io
Dionisio, R., Fitt, H., & Curl, A. (2019). Ageing wellbeing in a time of socio-technical shifts in urban mobilities: A new quest for urban design & planning. Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society with IBG (RGS-IBG) Annual International Conference: Geographies of Trouble / Geographies of Hope. Retrieved from http://conference.rgs.org/AC2019
van der Vlugt, A.-L., Curl, A., & Wittowsky, D. (2019). Perceived accessibility and its role in the sustainable transformation of cities. In S. Mandic & K. Coppell (Eds.), Proceedings of The Active Living and Environment Symposium (TALES): Linking Transport, Health and Sustainability. (pp. 25). Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago. [Abstract]
Watkins, A., Curl, A., Tomintz, M., Oliver, V., Dicker, B., & Mavoa, S. (2019). A socio-spatial analysis of outdoor falls among older adults. Proceedings of the 18th International Medical Geography Symposium (IMGS). (pp. 8). Retrieved from http://www.imgs2019.com
McAuley, I., & Curl, A. (2019). Emerging mobility devices in an uncertain future: The hire e-scooter craze. Proceedings of the Trafinz Conference. Retrieved from https://harding.eventsair.com/QuickEventWebsitePortal/trafinz-2019/programme
Curl, A., Fitt, H., van der Vlugt, A.-L., Tomintz, M., Dionisio-McHugh, R., & Beere, P. (2019). Older adults’ experiences of mobility and falling in the outdoor environment. In S. Mandic & K. Coppell (Eds.), Proceedings of The Active Living and Environment Symposium (TALES): Linking Transport, Health and Sustainability. (pp. 38). Dunedin, New Zealand: University of Otago. [Abstract]
Curl, A., Fitt, H., Dionisio-McHugh, R., & Tomintz, M. (2019). Older adults experiences of mobility and falling in urban environments. Proceedings of the 18th International Medical Geography Symposium (IMGS). (pp. 14). Retrieved from http://www.imgs2019.com
Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2018). What do driverless cars mean for cities, health and wellbeing? Proceedings of the New Zealand Geographical Society (NZGS) and the Institute of Australian Geographers (IAG) Conference. (pp. 30). Retrieved from https://nzgsconference2018.org/
Conference Contribution - Verbal presentation and other Conference outputs
Curl, A., & Fitt, H. (2020, March). Equity implications of emerging transport modes. Verbal presentation at the Transportation Group New Zealand Conference: Equity in Transportation, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Parr, G., & Curl, A. (2020, March). Equity, social impact and transport policy. Verbal presentation at the Transportation Group New Zealand Conference: Equity in Transportation, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Curl, A. (2019, July). The 'where' of teaching health geography: Reflections on the use of outdoor and virtual learning environments. Verbal presentation at the 18th International Medical Geography Symposium (IMGS), Queenstown, New Zealand.
