A framework for understanding winter cycling culture: Case study from Finland
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Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Insinööritieteiden korkeakoulu |
Master's thesis
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Authors
Date
2023-10-09
Department
Major/Subject
Sustainable Urban Mobility Transitions
Mcode
ENG3085
Degree programme
Master’s Programme in Urban Mobility
Language
en
Pages
51+7
Series
Abstract
Cycling in winter is often considered to be a sports activity, only for the ‘tough’ ones. Despite these preconceptions, cycling year-round brings benefits for the individual and society and could therefore be promoted as an everyday activity to untap its full potential. Traditionally in transport planning, the focus has been on measures regarding the built environment, such as infrastructure and winter maintenance. However, cycling needs to be seen as a holistic system to understand the underlying factors creating behaviour. The aim of this thesis is to create a better understanding of ‘winter cycling culture’ and its potential by identifying its influencing factors and stakeholders. The research methods of this work included six in-depth expert interviews in which the case study of the City of Oulu, the winter cycling capital of Finland, was analysed. In addition, a focus group workshop was organized involving different municipalities and organizations from Finland to gain further insights. Based on the findings, the Winter Cycling Culture Framework was created. The three main components are ‘Urban Materialities’, ‘Planning Practices’, and ‘Meanings of Cycling’. The three components are deeply interrelated and influence one another. Additionally, the stakeholders of winter cycling culture were analysed. Municipalities play an important role in shaping their city’s cycling culture. Therefore, the recommendations are primarily directed towards actions within the reach of municipalities on the three layers: within the organization, in the built environment, and in contact with citizens. If municipalities understand their influence in shaping their city and prioritize forming motivated teams dedicated to cycling, it lays the base for their fruitful work in the future. The findings of this thesis can help create an understanding of winter cycling culture. It offers unique insights into possible measures to promote winter cycling systematically, extending beyond the previous focus on built environment measures.Description
Supervisor
Mladenović, Miloš N.Thesis advisor
Haapamäki, TainaKeywords
cycling culture, winter cycling, sustainable mobility, systems thinking