Vélomobility - A critical analysis of planning and space
Author
Summary, in English
The purpose of this doctoral study is to bring a spatial dimension into the research on urban mobilities and connect
the spatial dimension to the marginalisation of cyclists in urban space. This is been done by exploring the role of urban
bicycling and transport planning. The theoretical frame of space, mobilities and power is used for analysing that role
through case studies in two Scandinavian cities, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Urban bicycling is a good example of
showing the relation between space and mobilities, since cyclists often suffer from marginalised space in cities around
the world. The philosophical foundation of the thesis is in critical realism and critical theory. For background data,
observations and document studies have been conducted in Stockholm and Copenhagen. The main data collection for
this thesis was done both qualitatively, in the form of interviews with planners and politicians, and quantitatively, in
the form of survey studies among the citizens of Copenhagen and Stockholm. The data is analysed with the help of the
theoretical framework that builds on mobility studies, spatial theory by Lefebvre, and Harvey and power theories
deriving mainly from Lukes’ three dimensions of power. The materialisation of power relations is analysed with the
example of modern planning in Sweden and Denmark. Overall this thesis manages to show how cycling as a mode of
transport is marginalised in urban space, and that urban space wars between cyclists and car drivers and among cyclists
are fought in Copenhagen as well as in Stockholm. The conclusion is that different factors, such as the economic
situations in Denmark and Sweden, have affected urban and transport planning and thus have created two very
different transport systems, where cycling plays a large role (Copenhagen) and a smaller role (Stockholm).
Nevertheless, this thesis shows that even in cities that are very good for cycling, like Copenhagen, the motorised modes
of transport create many problems and are still dominating urban space.
the spatial dimension to the marginalisation of cyclists in urban space. This is been done by exploring the role of urban
bicycling and transport planning. The theoretical frame of space, mobilities and power is used for analysing that role
through case studies in two Scandinavian cities, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Urban bicycling is a good example of
showing the relation between space and mobilities, since cyclists often suffer from marginalised space in cities around
the world. The philosophical foundation of the thesis is in critical realism and critical theory. For background data,
observations and document studies have been conducted in Stockholm and Copenhagen. The main data collection for
this thesis was done both qualitatively, in the form of interviews with planners and politicians, and quantitatively, in
the form of survey studies among the citizens of Copenhagen and Stockholm. The data is analysed with the help of the
theoretical framework that builds on mobility studies, spatial theory by Lefebvre, and Harvey and power theories
deriving mainly from Lukes’ three dimensions of power. The materialisation of power relations is analysed with the
example of modern planning in Sweden and Denmark. Overall this thesis manages to show how cycling as a mode of
transport is marginalised in urban space, and that urban space wars between cyclists and car drivers and among cyclists
are fought in Copenhagen as well as in Stockholm. The conclusion is that different factors, such as the economic
situations in Denmark and Sweden, have affected urban and transport planning and thus have created two very
different transport systems, where cycling plays a large role (Copenhagen) and a smaller role (Stockholm).
Nevertheless, this thesis shows that even in cities that are very good for cycling, like Copenhagen, the motorised modes
of transport create many problems and are still dominating urban space.
Department/s
Publishing year
2013
Language
English
Publication/Series
Bulletin
Volume
284
Full text
Document type
Dissertation
Publisher
Lund University
Topic
- Civil Engineering
Keywords
- Vélomobility
- mobility
- planning
- space
- power relations
- urban cycling
Status
Published
Supervisor
- Åse Svensson
- Jamil Khan
- Malene Freudendal-Pedersen
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1653-1930
Defence date
20 September 2013
Defence time
10:00
Defence place
In auditorium V:B, V-building, John Ericssons väg 1, Lund University Faculty of Engineering
Opponent
- Sven Kesselring (Professor)