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

Abstract

This commentary reviews recent research in terms of tourist’s mobilities in terms practices of walking, cycling and driving. It concludes by reflecting on the contemporary lock down of travel in terms of the global pandemic and its consequences for waiting, stillness and immobility – particularly in terms of flying.

Inventing the Pandemic Lifestyles: Bicycle Tourism during COVID-19

“…Consequently, so many rules and regulations related to health protocols have formed such pandemic cultures transforming from rituals of socialization to cultural performance with specific codes and narratives (Alexander & Smith, 2020). One important sector experiencing a different trend is the approach and way people use bicycles to get rid of boredom and at the same time to do sport as well (Hannam et al, 2021). As a social sector that has experienced a direct impact from the pandemic, tourism has adapted various ways to maintain its sustainability including the transformation of bicycle tourism which has become a trend in the time of pandemic.…”

“…The emergence of active travel modes or as forms of active transport such as walking, jogging and cycling has become an alternative sport to be fulfilled by people sporadically without cantering in crowds of such mainstream touristic places (Weed, 2020;Sidebang, 2021). Cycle tourism has also gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic which its legacies directly affect tourism mobility (Hannam et al, 2021). Amidst the uncertainty about the duration of the pandemic and its impacts on tourism, tourism players and people as well should adapt in various ways to negotiate with the pandemic situation (Gössling et al, 2020;Higgins-Desbiolles, 2020;Jamal & Budke, 2020;Ntounis et al, 2021;Zafri et al, 2021) such as reinterpreting the process of socialization and how to act in a new social order.…”

Cycling Tourism and Revitalization in the Sicilian Hinterland: A Case Study in the Taormina–Etna District

“…Cycling tourism can contribute positively to health and wellbeing, even within the span of several days [16], and it also has social and environmental benefits [17] and positive impacts that facilitate contact with nature and local people, as well as access to places off the beaten path or remote territories [18]. The itinerary of a cycling ride is based on immersion in the territory-often rural countryside, but also coastal.…”

Package cycle tourists′ relationship to time and pace

“…Cycling holidays, as a form of mobility, have been associated with slow travel (or slow tourism). Although the leisure practice of cycling is a resurgent phenomenon, research that examines the relationship between cycling and tourism remains scarce (Hannam et al, 2021; Lamont, 2009). While some cycle tourists have been described as slow travellers (Dickinson and Lumsdon, 2010; Fullagar, 2012; Hannam et al, 2021), cycle tourists are far from being a homogenous group; cyclists are propelled by diverse motives and adopt various touring modalities (short versus long distance, independent versus package, city versus rural).…”

“…Although the leisure practice of cycling is a resurgent phenomenon, research that examines the relationship between cycling and tourism remains scarce (Hannam et al, 2021; Lamont, 2009). While some cycle tourists have been described as slow travellers (Dickinson and Lumsdon, 2010; Fullagar, 2012; Hannam et al, 2021), cycle tourists are far from being a homogenous group; cyclists are propelled by diverse motives and adopt various touring modalities (short versus long distance, independent versus package, city versus rural). For instance, Ho et al (2016) argue that “slowness is more than mere anti-speed” (p. 215); in other words, these authors question whether slow travel can be merely explained by slow mobility.…”