Pursuing cycling equity? A mixed-methods analysis of cycling plans in European cities

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Cunha, I (Author) Other; Cecília Silva (Author) FEUP; Büttner, B (Author) Other; Toivonen, T (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Transport Policy

Vol. 145

Pages: 237-246

ISSN: 0967-070X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-935

DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2023.11.001

Abstract (EN): Although equity issues are emphasised in sustainable mobility policy worldwide, there is evidence that cycling planning often prioritises advantaged areas and central zones of cities. To overcome such an inequitable scenario, scholars have called for greater attention towards disadvantaged representatives within the planning and decision-making processes. This study contributes to this debate by exploring the equity impacts of cycling plans and infrastructure allocation in three European cities using a mixed-methods approach. First, through GIS and statistical analysis, we quantitively assessed the equity gap of each cycling plan, measuring the distribution of infrastructure and accessibility gains across socio-economic advantaged and disadvantaged groups. In addition, this study performed an inductive content analysis of each plan to investigate to what extent equity issues are addressed and prioritised in planning practice. The main results suggest the most equitable scenario in a city with a long tradition of cycling planning, which has been providing denser cycling infrastructure to connect important activities and neighbourhoods within central zones and outskirts. Conversely, the implementation of the cycling plan in central areas is likely to overlook disadvantaged socio-economic zones. Despite increasing attention towards accessibility, social inclusion and safety issues within the planning guidelines, findings suggest that the evaluated plans did not prioritise or appraise equity in cycling planning practice.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 10