Representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research: a review
Abstract Background Increased cycling is generally recognized as a highly important project in decarbonizing urban transport. Despite well-researched and broadly accepted benefits of cycling, bicycle mobility plays only a marginal role in the modal share for most cities. Purpose To make sense of thi...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2023-09-01
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| Series: | European Transport Research Review |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12544-023-00603-3 |
| _version_ | 1797578495056936960 |
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| author | Daniel Valentini Josefin Wangel Sara Holmgren |
| author_facet | Daniel Valentini Josefin Wangel Sara Holmgren |
| author_sort | Daniel Valentini |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Increased cycling is generally recognized as a highly important project in decarbonizing urban transport. Despite well-researched and broadly accepted benefits of cycling, bicycle mobility plays only a marginal role in the modal share for most cities. Purpose To make sense of this paradox, this review article investigates how cycling research engages with the governance of cycling. The review focuses on how cycling mobility is envisioned, approached and described within the change-oriented field of sustainability transitions research. Findings Through a systematic reading of 25 peer reviewed scientific journal articles, we find that the articles mainly focus on technological objects of change (e-bikes and bikesharing systems); incumbent actors; and established planning and policy measures applied to new contexts. Most studies are evaluative, lacking the forward-looking and change oriented ambition transitions research set out to address. To contribute to increased cycling mobility in urban contexts, we conclude that future cycling research might benefit from adopting more diverse and clear notions of governance objects, actors and measures. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T22:22:42Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-e72e4f15e92d4d7bbcbdbd79be62f630 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1866-8887 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T22:22:42Z |
| publishDate | 2023-09-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | European Transport Research Review |
| spelling | doaj.art-e72e4f15e92d4d7bbcbdbd79be62f6302023-11-19T12:13:53ZengSpringerOpenEuropean Transport Research Review1866-88872023-09-0115111510.1186/s12544-023-00603-3Representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research: a reviewDaniel Valentini0Josefin Wangel1Sara Holmgren2Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesDepartment of Spatial Planning, FormasDepartment of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural SciencesAbstract Background Increased cycling is generally recognized as a highly important project in decarbonizing urban transport. Despite well-researched and broadly accepted benefits of cycling, bicycle mobility plays only a marginal role in the modal share for most cities. Purpose To make sense of this paradox, this review article investigates how cycling research engages with the governance of cycling. The review focuses on how cycling mobility is envisioned, approached and described within the change-oriented field of sustainability transitions research. Findings Through a systematic reading of 25 peer reviewed scientific journal articles, we find that the articles mainly focus on technological objects of change (e-bikes and bikesharing systems); incumbent actors; and established planning and policy measures applied to new contexts. Most studies are evaluative, lacking the forward-looking and change oriented ambition transitions research set out to address. To contribute to increased cycling mobility in urban contexts, we conclude that future cycling research might benefit from adopting more diverse and clear notions of governance objects, actors and measures.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12544-023-00603-3Urban cyclingCycling practicesCycling technologiesSustainability transitionsTransport governance |
| spellingShingle | Daniel Valentini Josefin Wangel Sara Holmgren Representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research: a review European Transport Research Review Urban cycling Cycling practices Cycling technologies Sustainability transitions Transport governance |
| title | Representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research: a review |
| title_full | Representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research: a review |
| title_fullStr | Representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research: a review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research: a review |
| title_short | Representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research: a review |
| title_sort | representations of urban cycling in sustainability transitions research a review |
| topic | Urban cycling Cycling practices Cycling technologies Sustainability transitions Transport governance |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12544-023-00603-3 |
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