Metadata
Title
Richard Buning
Category
general
UUID
efc1ed8fc38d4ce09573f22f84a9c6de
Source URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/20570
Parent URL
https://about.uq.edu.au/strategy-values/2032-games/our-experts/connecting-people...
Crawl Time
2026-03-11T06:56:48+00:00
Rendered Raw Markdown 
# Richard Buning

**Source**: https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/20570
**Parent**: https://about.uq.edu.au/strategy-values/2032-games/our-experts/connecting-people-places

Dr

# Richard Buning

Email:
:   [r.buning@business.uq.edu.au](mailto:r.buning@business.uq.edu.au)

Phone:
:   [+61 7 334 68014](tel:+61 7 334 68014)

## Positions

Senior Lecturer
:   School of Business
:   Faculty of Business, Economics and Law

## Overview

### Background

Dr. Buning is a Senior Lecturer in the [Tourism discipline](https://business.uq.edu.au/research/research-areas/tourism) at the [UQ Business School](https://business.uq.edu.au/) and Research Lead of the [UQ Micromobility Research Cluster](https://business.uq.edu.au/research/research-areas/tourism/micromobility-research-cluster). He is recognised as one of Australia’s leading voices on micromobility, e-mobility and global scholar for cycling tourism. His research focuses on active living, tourism systems, and destination development, with a particular attention to both residents and visitors.His research agenda examines how tourists and residents engage in physical activity both as a driver of tourism behaviour and community health (e.g., active lifestyle sports, sports club participation) and as a feature of destination mobility systems (e.g., active transport).

His work on active transport investigates how bikeshare, e-scooters, and micromobility more generally enable healthier, more active, and more sustainable communities for residents and visitors. This work directly informs public policy and industry strategy. His research on active lifestyle sports contributes to scholarship in active sport tourism, including mountain biking, cycling, running, rock climbing, and hiking. Research outcomes have contributed to improved economic performance, increased visitor dispersal, reduced congestion pressures, enhanced public health outcomes, and strengthened community wellbeing in destination contexts through sustainable transport and active tourism strategies.

Dr. Buning has worked extensively with active transport providers, sporting organisations, and state and local governments across Australia and the United States. He regularly consults on data-driven strategy development for active mobility systems, events, and community-based tourism initiatives. His work regularly appears in leading tourism, sport, and transport journals and popular press outlets around micromobility, active transport, sport tourism, and event management.

Are you a government, industry or an academic interested in collaborating on research or teaching projects to get people moving? Please get in touch

Research methods expertise includes:

- Survey research design and analysis
- Structural equation modelling
- Delphi studies
- Quantitative scale development
- In-depth interviews and focus groups
- Grounded theory
- Secondary data and meta-analysis

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### Availability

Dr Richard Buning is:
:   Available for supervision
:   Media expert

### Fields of research

[Built Environment and Design](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4763)
[Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4756)
[Commercial services](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4895)
[Impacts of tourism](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5959)
[Sport and leisure management](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5542)
[Tourism](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4822)
[Tourism management](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5238)
[Tourist behaviour and visitor experience](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=5043)
[Transportation, logistics and supply chains](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4855)
[Urban and regional planning](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/search?research-field=4833)

### Qualifications

- Doctor of Philosophy, University of Florida

### Research interests

- #### Micromobility

  Micromobility (i.e., e-scooters, e-mobility) has disrupted transport globally, but we still don't yet know its true role and impacts to our communities. I'm working to fully understand how society can embrace micromobility safely to realize its benefit.

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- #### Sport Tourism

  Travel to particpate in sport is active sport tourism whether it be running, cycling, mountain biking, rock climbing, and more. This type of travel builds active vibrant communites locally and delivers rich and sustaible benefits to destinations that attract these tourists.

  Read more
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- #### e-scooters

  E-scooters provide all kinds of benefits to communities for residents and tourists, but we need to better understand how they can be used safely, replace car transport, and improve urban mobility.

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- #### Active Transport

  When people walk and ride they have happier lives and communities flourish. Let’s work together to encourage active transportation and provide safe places for people to walk and ride more often.

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- #### Event Management

  Events bring people together and to destinations, I'm curious as how we can use events to attract those with active lifestyles as tourism and how we can help event attendees experience communities through active transport.

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- #### Bikeshare

  Bikeshare programs revloutionized how both residents get around cities, but moreso made it easier than ever before for tourists to use bikes to experince destinations.

  Read more
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- #### Physical Activity

  Being active in modern life is a challenge. I want to help people be active in their daily transport needs and through tourism.

  Read more
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View all research interests
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## Works

[Search Professor Richard Buning’s works on UQ eSpace](http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/list/author_id/4412641)

[All
(58)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/20570/all)
[Book
(1)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/20570/4747)
[Journal Article
(30)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/20570/4748)
[Other Outputs
(19)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/20570/4749)
[Conference Publication
(3)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/20570/4751)
[Book Chapter
(5)](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts-publication/20570/4752)

2026

Journal Article

##### Standardising bicycling infrastructure terminology: A Delphi study of Australian experts

Lieske, Scott N., Kong, Weichang, Buning, Richard J., Pojani, Dorina and Leao, Simone Z. (2026). Standardising bicycling infrastructure terminology: A Delphi study of Australian experts. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 23 101682, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.cstp.2025.101682

[Standardising bicycling infrastructure terminology: A Delphi study of Australian experts](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6530f1c)

2025

Journal Article

##### Clarifying bicycling accessibility

Lieske, Scott N., Zhang, Lihong, Leao, Simone Z., Pojani, Dorina and Buning, Richard J. (2025). Clarifying bicycling accessibility. Journal of Transport Geography, 129 104450, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2025.104450

[Clarifying bicycling accessibility](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:fede5b4)

2025

Journal Article

##### An exploration of Likert scale development: measuring purpose, success, and constraints of American collegiate sport clubs

Czekanski, William A., Lower-Hoppe, Leeann M. and Buning, Richard J. (2025). An exploration of Likert scale development: measuring purpose, success, and constraints of American collegiate sport clubs. Managing Sport and Leisure, 1-17. doi: 10.1080/23750472.2025.2572332

[An exploration of Likert scale development: measuring purpose, success, and constraints of American collegiate sport clubs](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7c8bb2f)

2025

Other Outputs

##### E-bikes could slash our reliance on cars – but overpowered illegal models on the roads make us all less safe

Buning, Richard and Pojani, Dorina (2025, 08 18). E-bikes could slash our reliance on cars – but overpowered illegal models on the roads make us all less safe The Conversation doi: 10.64628/AA.95cj3kftg

[E-bikes could slash our reliance on cars – but overpowered illegal models on the roads make us all less safe](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3f1a34d)

2025

Other Outputs

##### Most e-scooter riders follow the rules—here’s what we found

Buning, Richard J., Lieske, Scott and Bean, Richard (2025, 08 13). Most e-scooter riders follow the rules—here’s what we found ZagDaily

[Most e-scooter riders follow the rules—here’s what we found](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:3f721e3)

2025

Journal Article

##### Charting a research agenda for micromobility and tourism

Buning, Richard J., Hardy, Anne, Corcoran, Jonathan, Pojani, Dorina, Zou, Zhenpeng and Chen, Milly (2025). Charting a research agenda for micromobility and tourism. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 6 (1) 100164, 1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.annale.2024.100164

[Charting a research agenda for micromobility and tourism](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d46db70)

2025

Journal Article

##### Hybrid machine learning-based approaches for modeling bikeability

Zhang, Lihong, Lieske, Scott N., Pojani, Dorina, Buning, Richard J. and Corcoran, Jonathan (2025). Hybrid machine learning-based approaches for modeling bikeability. Journal of Transport Geography, 123 104150, 104150-123. doi: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2025.104150

[Hybrid machine learning-based approaches for modeling bikeability](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:7cd6ba3)

2025

Other Outputs

##### New study highlights member retention constraints, and strategies for overcoming them

Buning, Richard J. and Kulczycki, Cory (2025, 01 28). New study highlights member retention constraints, and strategies for overcoming them Climbing Business Journal

[New study highlights member retention constraints, and strategies for overcoming them](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:f8e5aee)

2025

Journal Article

##### Competing Priorities and Constraint Negotiation in Event Travel Careers: Conceptual Advancement and Scale Development

Buning, Richard J and Kennelly, Millicent (2025). Competing Priorities and Constraint Negotiation in Event Travel Careers: Conceptual Advancement and Scale Development. Event Management. doi: 10.3727/152599525x17580191376180

[Competing Priorities and Constraint Negotiation in Event Travel Careers: Conceptual Advancement and Scale Development](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:e3283e9)

2025

Journal Article

##### The role of external partners in shaping the organizational capacity of collegiate sport clubs: a Delphi study

Lower-Hoppe, Leeann M., Czekanski, W. Andrew, Buning, Richard J. and Springer, Daniel (2025). The role of external partners in shaping the organizational capacity of collegiate sport clubs: a Delphi study. European Sport Management Quarterly, 25 (4), 642-662. doi: 10.1080/16184742.2024.2412647

[The role of external partners in shaping the organizational capacity of collegiate sport clubs: a Delphi study](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a83a5e7)

2025

Journal Article

##### Ascending past constraints through immersion into the social worlds of climbing gyms

Kulczycki, Cory and Buning, Richard J. (2025). Ascending past constraints through immersion into the social worlds of climbing gyms. Journal of Leisure Research, 56 (5), 737-759. doi: 10.1080/00222216.2024.2402313

[Ascending past constraints through immersion into the social worlds of climbing gyms](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:38b6103)

2025

Journal Article

##### Rock climbing to new heights: 
Developing active sport tourism
 in Saudi Arabia

Buning, Richard J., Alessa, Faisal and Chen, Milly (2025). Rock climbing to new heights: 
Developing active sport tourism
 in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Sport Management, 26 (2), 193-221.

[Rock climbing to new heights: 
Developing active sport tourism
 in Saudi Arabia](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:24db862)

2024

Other Outputs

##### How to go mountain biking in 2024: How to escape reality and achieve the perfect ride

Buning, Richard J. (2024, 10 01). How to go mountain biking in 2024: How to escape reality and achieve the perfect ride Australian Mountain Bike Magazine

[How to go mountain biking in 2024: How to escape reality and achieve the perfect ride](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:6af603f)

2024

Other Outputs

##### E-scooter movement data analysis; Exploring use of active transport facilities, travel speeds, helmet use, and scooter types

Scott Lieske, Buning, Richard, Pyrohova, Svitlana, Bean, Richard and Jindalucksawong, Purit (2024). E-scooter movement data analysis; Exploring use of active transport facilities, travel speeds, helmet use, and scooter types. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.

[E-scooter movement data analysis; Exploring use of active transport facilities, travel speeds, helmet use, and scooter types](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:4643883)

2024

Other Outputs

##### E-scooter riders flouting rules, blocking footpaths and causing accidents? We need to use smart solutions (and bust the myths)

Buning, Richard J., Haworth, Narelle and Lieske, Scott (2024, 09 19). E-scooter riders flouting rules, blocking footpaths and causing accidents? We need to use smart solutions (and bust the myths) The Conversation

[E-scooter riders flouting rules, blocking footpaths and causing accidents? We need to use smart solutions (and bust the myths)](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:9293d57)

2024

Other Outputs

##### The six reasons why Brisbane residents and visitors don’t ride e-scooters

Buning, Richard J. and Pham, Wendy (2024, 03 14). The six reasons why Brisbane residents and visitors don’t ride e-scooters Zag Daily

[The six reasons why Brisbane residents and visitors don’t ride e-scooters](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0335d4e)

2024

Other Outputs

##### Flow state: Chasing mountain biking bliss

Buning, Richard J. (2024, 03 05). Flow state: Chasing mountain biking bliss Australian Mountain Bike Magazine 54-57.

[Flow state: Chasing mountain biking bliss](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:0a46122)

2024

Book Chapter

##### Bidding for events through responding to requests for proposals

Buning, Richard J. (2024). Bidding for events through responding to requests for proposals. International case studies in event management. (pp. 149-153) edited by Judith Mair, Gürhan Aktaş and Metin Kozak. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Taylor and Francis. doi: 10.4324/9781003390381-19

[Bidding for events through responding to requests for proposals](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:1cb7476)

2023

Journal Article

##### When flow meets business: A study of mountain biking

Hardy, Anne, Buning, Richard J., Boudreau, Patrick and Thomas, Jeffrey (2023). When flow meets business: A study of mountain biking. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 4 (2) 100102, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.annale.2023.100102

[When flow meets business: A study of mountain biking](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a74c7d4)

2023

Other Outputs

##### Micromobility clearly boosts tourism in Brisbane

Buning, Richard (2023, 10 26). Micromobility clearly boosts tourism in Brisbane Zag Daily

[Micromobility clearly boosts tourism in Brisbane](https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:a2af89e)

## Funding

### Past funding

- 2021 - 2023

  Bikeability for transportation: tools and data for research and practice

  Australian Urban Research Infrastructure Network

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/52746)
- 2020 - 2025

  Transport Innovation and Research Hub

  Brisbane City Council

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/47767)
- 2019

  Activators and Barriers to Youth Outdoor Recreation in Queensland

  Queensland Outdoor Recreation Federation Incorporated

  [Open grant](https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/project/37582)

## Supervision

### Availability

Dr Richard Buning is:
:   Available for supervision

Looking for a supervisor? Read our advice on [how to choose a supervisor](https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/how-to-choose-a-supervisor).

## Media

### Enquiries

Contact Dr Richard Buning directly for media enquiries about:

- Active Transport
- Bikeshare
- Cycling
- e-bikes
- e-scooters
- Event Management
- Micromobility
- Physical Activity
- Sport Management
- Sport Tourism

#### Need help?

For help with finding experts, story ideas and media enquiries, contact our Media team:

[communications@uq.edu.au](mailto:communications@uq.edu.au)

## External profiles

- [ORCID](https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0089-3967)
- [ResearcherID](https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/S-7092-2018)
- [Scopus](https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56928188400)
- [Google Scholar](https://scholar.google.com.au/citations?user=ewYty0kAAAAJ)

## Personal links

- [Personal profile](https://www.business.uq.edu.au/staff/richard-buning)
- [UQ Micromobility Research Cluster](https://business.uq.edu.au/research/research-areas/tourism/micromobility-research-cluster)

## Social media

- [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardbuning/)
- [X](https://twitter.com/sporttourismdoc)

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