Conceptualizing cycling experience in urban design research: a systematic literature review

Abstract

By conceptualizing a link between the cycling experience and the associated methods in understanding the former, the perspective of a cyclist is highlighted as an opportunity for research in urban design. A systematic review of 20 empirical papers across a variety of disciplines covering both walking and cycling experiences was conducted. This paper links social, sensory and spatial experiences, and connects these experiences to textual, visual and evaluative methodologies. This paper proposes how cycling can be considered in design research; it also provides an insight into how various methods enhance our understanding of cyclists and their surroundings.

Scaling up cycling or replacing driving? Triggers and trajectories of bike–train uptake in the Randstad area

“…Nevertheless, the interviews also suggested that the intrinsic qualities and enjoyment of cycling might potentially play a more important role in the choice to start travelling by bike-train than captured in our survey: the fact that the intrinsic qualities of cycling are often hard to put into words (and measure in a survey) should not lead us to underestimate their importance (Krizek 2018;Liu, Krishnamurthy and van Wesemael 2018;te Brömmelstroet et al 2019). Indeed, cycling is one of the transport modes which scores highest in terms of its positive affective qualities, with cyclists being among the happiest commuters (Wild and Woodward 2019).…”

Normalising cycling mobilities: an age-friendly approach to cycling in the Netherlands

“…Sallis et al (2004) already proposed greater interdisciplinary collaboration to prevent representations of cycling either as a form of physical activity, or as a mode of transport, or as a marker of cultural identity of discrete population groups. In this journal, Te Brömmelstroet et al (2017) call for planning practitioners to view cycling mobility more broadly to appreciate experiential features of citizenship and belonging alongside typical focus on cost and utility functions (also Liu, Krishnamurthy, and van Wesemael 2018). Influenced somewhat by recent qualitative studies, notably those based on lived experiences, and the identification of psycho-social factors affecting bicycle use (Pooley et al 2013;Pucher, Dill, and Handy 2010), we propose further interdisciplinary dialogue on age-related cycling normalisation.…”

Tourist’s mobilities: Walking, cycling, driving and waiting

“…These modalities also vary according to the two-wheeler used (e-bike, touring bike, mountain bike, etc.). Until recently, there has been relatively little research on touring cultures and the embodied experiences of cycling tourists (Liu et al, 2018; Spinney, 2006). A characteristic feature of independent cycling tourism is that cyclists use their own bicycles and other gear for (or when) transiting to the destination and moving through the destination.…”