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Implementing cycling infrastructure in a politicized space: Lessons from Toronto, Canada

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  • Wilson, Adam
  • Mitra, Raktim

Abstract

Cycling infrastructure such as cycle tracks and painted bicycle lanes is critical in improving safety of existing cyclists and in increasing the overall mode share of bicycling in communities. However, the implementation of such infrastructure has been fraught with political contentiousness across North America. In this paper, we discuss how theories of automobility and the politics around it may help explain current active transportation planning practice. We then report findings from ten key informant interviews with municipal planners and engineers in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, Canada, in order to identify how they implement cycling infrastructure in the face of political opposition. We find that there are four principal strategies used to secure the political support and ensure the construction of cycling infrastructure across the region: 1) piggybacking on public works projects, 2) using external grants and funding, 3) pre-emptively re-routing cycling infrastructure, and 4) finding support from a political champion. Based on these findings, we conclude that the politicization of cycling infrastructure is a result of the dominance of automobility in Western transportation culture. In other words, it is not the physical presence of the cycling infrastructure, nor its social and political representations, but rather automobile that is political, and a battle for (road)space against it remains and may continue to remain a major policy and professional challenge.

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  • Wilson, Adam & Mitra, Raktim, 2020. "Implementing cycling infrastructure in a politicized space: Lessons from Toronto, Canada," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:86:y:2020:i:c:s0966692319310968
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2020.102760
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    Cited by:

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    3. Marleau Donais, Francis & Abi-Zeid, Irène & Waygood, E. Owen D. & Lavoie, Roxane, 2022. "Municipal decision-making for sustainable transportation: Towards improving current practices for street rejuvenation in Canada," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 156(C), pages 152-170.
    4. Ravensbergen, Léa & Buliung, Ron & Sersli, Stephanie & Winters, Meghan, 2021. "Guest editorial: Critical Vélomobilities," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 92(C).
    5. Van Veghel, Daniel & Scott, Darren M., 2024. "Investigating the impacts of bike lanes on bike share ridership: A holistic approach and demonstration," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    6. Ploegmakers, Huub & Lagendijk, Arnoud, 2024. "Explaining the diffusion of Dutch express bikeways through QCA: The importance of pilots, collaboration and external funding," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 115(C).
    7. Mitra, Raktim & Latanville, Remington & Hess, Paul M. & Manaugh, Kevin & Winters, Meghan, 2023. "Pandemic-time bike lanes in three large Canadian urban centres- differences in use and public perception by socio-demographic groups and geographical contexts," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).

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