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Supplemental infrastructure: how community networks and immigrant identity influence cycling

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  • Jesus M. Barajas

    (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Abstract

While factors such as urban form, infrastructure, and attitudes shape cycling behavior, the experience of cycling can vary drastically across socioeconomic and identity groups. For foreign-born residents of the United States, additional factors associated with income and cultural context may influence cycling. In this study, I ask how factors associated with being an immigrant, such as economic status, cultural habits, residential location, and social environments, motivate or deter cycling. Results are based on 23 in-depth interviews with low-income Latino immigrants in the San Francisco Bay Area. Interviews reveal that close-knit social networks buoyed by support from immigrant-serving organizations encourage cycling, providing social infrastructure where other types of infrastructure may be absent. However, neighborhood safety is a significant deterrent that men and women respond to in different ways. Other effects, such as gentrification, immigrant experiences, and cultural narratives, shape individuals’ perceptions of belonging as a cyclist in their neighborhood. Findings suggest that planners should collaborate with immigrant-serving community organizations and be more centrally involved in addressing neighborhood conditions and their effects on travel.

Suggested Citation

  • Jesus M. Barajas, 2020. "Supplemental infrastructure: how community networks and immigrant identity influence cycling," Transportation, Springer, vol. 47(3), pages 1251-1274, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:transp:v:47:y:2020:i:3:d:10.1007_s11116-018-9955-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s11116-018-9955-7
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    Cited by:

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    2. Barajas, Jesus M., 2021. "The effects of driver licensing laws on immigrant travel," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 22-34.
    3. Giacomantonio, Sarah & Mitra, Raktim & Ravensbergen, Léa, 2024. "Bicycle facilities and women's cycling frequency – An intersectional analysis of gendered travel behaviour," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    4. Vietinghoff, Christina, 2021. "An intersectional analysis of barriers to cycling for marginalized communities in a cycling-friendly French City," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 91(C).
    5. Naseri, Mahsa & Delbosc, Alexa & Kamruzzaman, Liton, 2023. "The role of neighbourhood design in cycling activity during COVID-19: An exploration of the Melbourne experience," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
    6. Hu, Lingqian & Klein, Nicholas J. & Smart, Michael J., 2021. "Comparing immigrant commute travel adaptation across and within racial/ethnic groups," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 110(C), pages 112-122.

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