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A Theoretical Perspective on How Bicycle Commuters Might Experience Aesthetic Features of Urban Space

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  • Harpa Stefansdottir

Abstract

Limited attention has been paid to the value of the aesthetic dimension of the urban environment in altering the character of commuting by bicycle. The positive impact of aesthetics on cycling is primarily related to emotional reactions of an individual. For cyclists, aesthetic experience is a multisensory phenomenon influenced by various motivational factors. The purpose of this paper is to lay out a conceptual framework for studies of the aesthetic experience of commuting bicyclists. Three theoretical approaches were considered for interpretation of information: (1) phenomenology of sensory perception and experience; (2) urban design theory; and (3) environmental aesthetics. Together the three theoretical fields complement each other and explain different viewpoints on this complex subject. Relating earlier studies on bicycling to these theories may elucidate the ways in which bicycling affects how the senses work and how perception of the environment can be interpreted in terms of aesthetic meaning. In particular, speed affects this perception. The importance of aesthetic features has a strong relation to expectations and attitude towards the trip.

Suggested Citation

  • Harpa Stefansdottir, 2014. "A Theoretical Perspective on How Bicycle Commuters Might Experience Aesthetic Features of Urban Space," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(4), pages 496-510, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:cjudxx:v:19:y:2014:i:4:p:496-510
    DOI: 10.1080/13574809.2014.923746
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    Cited by:

    1. Tineke de Jong & Lars Böcker & Christian Weber, 2023. "Road infrastructures, spatial surroundings, and the demand and route choices for cycling: Evidence from a GPS-based mode detection study from Oslo, Norway," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 50(8), pages 2133-2150, October.
    2. George Liu & Samuel Nello‐Deakin & Marco te Brömmelstroet & Yuki Yamamoto, 2020. "What Makes a Good Cargo Bike Route? Perspectives from Users and Planners," American Journal of Economics and Sociology, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 79(3), pages 941-965, May.
    3. Ferdman, Avigail, 2021. "Well-being and mobility: A new perspective," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 44-55.
    4. Gamble, Julie & Snizek, Bernhard & Nielsen, Thomas Sick, 2017. "From people to cycling indicators: Documenting and understanding the urban context of cyclists' experiences in Quito, Ecuador," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 60(C), pages 167-177.
    5. Nello-Deakin, Samuel, 2020. "Environmental determinants of cycling: Not seeing the forest for the trees?," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    6. Patrick Moore & Marco Helbich, 2020. "Cycling through the Landscape of Advertising in Amsterdam: A Commuters Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-14, July.

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