Immoral and irrational cyclists? Exploring the practice of cycling on the pavement

Abstract

Cycling on the pavement is commonly seen in urban environments despite often being prohibited. This study explores this practice by analysing cycling on pavements in the wider socio-technical context in which it occurs. Using data from two field studies and one questionnaire study, as well as applying a Social Practice Theory (SPT) based analytical approach, the study explores the frequency of cycling on the pavement. The results show that riding on the pavement is common among cyclists. Three main configurations of meaning, material and competence constitutes this practice which is summarised as follows: avoiding the space of the car, increasing smoothness of the ride and unclear infrastructure design. Cycling on the pavement can be regarded as a way of managing safety and risk, seeking more efficient and comfortable paths of travel, as well as the outcome of perceiving the infrastructure as ambiguous. Overall, the study argues that cycling on the pavement is a consequence of skewed power relations between different modes of transport, as well as policies, urban planning and infrastructure not harmonising with demands for safe and smooth travel by cyclists.

Planning for Speed in the Public Space: The Case of Speed E-bikes in France, Belgium, and Switzerland

“…In most of the cases, users would choose illegality rather than vulnerability. This result recalls Ihlström et al’s conclusion ( 25 ) that cyclists’ illegal use of the pavement was mainly driven by safety concerns, which also appears to be the case in relation to speed e-bike users and cycle lanes. This is a lesson for policy makers when introducing regulations for cyclists and e-bike users as well as speed e-bike users.…”

“…Ihlström et al ( 25 ) used SPT to explore the practice of cycling on the pavement in the context of a mid-sized municipality in eastern Sweden. They argued that in car-oriented cultures, motorists have a clear advantage over cyclists in relation to size, weight, and protection.…”

O estado da arte em políticas de mobilidade urbana – novas perspectivas para identificar fatores de influência ao fracasso

“…Dentre essas diferentes concepções, uma delas pressupõe que devam ser considerados os diferentes comportamentos individuais e coletivos pré-existentes, pois, contribuem pela formação de novas camadas culturais, conforme afirmam Damidavicius, Burinskiene e Uspalyte (2019) sendo, esses pressupostos, igualmente importantes à concepção de novas políticas públicas, visto que se fundamentam pela resolução de problemas individuais e coletivos, concomitantes (THOMPSON, 1998). Em outra linha relaciona a cultura às práticas comportamentais reiteradas, como hábitos e costumes que condicionam e caracterizam um grupo social, suas tendências, desdobramentos e difusões inerciais (THOMPSON, 1998;IHLSTRÖM et al, 2021;KARJALAINEN;JUHOLA, 2021;MEINHERZ;BINDER, 2020;PRITCHARD;BUCHER;FRØYE, 2019).…”