Polarized Paths: ‘Selling’ Cycling in City and Suburb

Abstract

While cycling infrastructure is increasingly integrated into North American cities, bike lanes are still met with considerable resistance. Contradictory housing concerns that bike lanes will either lower property values or spur gentrification are central to this ‘bikelash.’ Our research explores the ways in which cycling infrastructure is part of the development and consumption of housing and real estate in a growing mid‐sized region. Instead of analysing real estate data, we engage with real estate agents and developers to provide new insights into how cycling is ‘sold’ and marketed in both the home‐building and home‐buying processes. Central to this discussion is the stark difference between core urban areas, where the built environment is more conducive to cycling, and automobile‐oriented suburbs. Through this dichotomy, we examine differences based on demographics, as well as the active role that realtors and developers play in selling cycling as transportation, lifestyle, and recreation.