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Vélomobility - A critical analysis of planning and space

Koglin, Till LU (2013) In Bulletin 284.
Abstract
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... (More)
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. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
supervisor
opponent
  • Professor Kesselring, Sven, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
organization
publishing date
type
Thesis
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Vélomobility, mobility, planning, space, power relations, urban cycling
in
Bulletin
volume
284
pages
244 pages
publisher
Lund University
defense location
In auditorium V:B, V-building, John Ericssons väg 1, Lund University Faculty of Engineering
defense date
2013-09-20 10:00:00
ISSN
1653-1930
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
3b7f74bd-6e78-48bc-88cc-a7a275404731 (old id 3972511)
date added to LUP
2016-04-01 14:35:10
date last changed
2019-05-21 10:59:37
@phdthesis{3b7f74bd-6e78-48bc-88cc-a7a275404731,
  abstract     = {{The purpose of this doctoral study is to bring a spatial dimension into the research on urban mobilities and connect<br/><br>
the spatial dimension to the marginalisation of cyclists in urban space. This is been done by exploring the role of urban<br/><br>
bicycling and transport planning. The theoretical frame of space, mobilities and power is used for analysing that role<br/><br>
through case studies in two Scandinavian cities, Copenhagen and Stockholm. Urban bicycling is a good example of<br/><br>
showing the relation between space and mobilities, since cyclists often suffer from marginalised space in cities around<br/><br>
the world. The philosophical foundation of the thesis is in critical realism and critical theory. For background data,<br/><br>
observations and document studies have been conducted in Stockholm and Copenhagen. The main data collection for<br/><br>
this thesis was done both qualitatively, in the form of interviews with planners and politicians, and quantitatively, in<br/><br>
the form of survey studies among the citizens of Copenhagen and Stockholm. The data is analysed with the help of the<br/><br>
theoretical framework that builds on mobility studies, spatial theory by Lefebvre, and Harvey and power theories<br/><br>
deriving mainly from Lukes’ three dimensions of power. The materialisation of power relations is analysed with the<br/><br>
example of modern planning in Sweden and Denmark. Overall this thesis manages to show how cycling as a mode of<br/><br>
transport is marginalised in urban space, and that urban space wars between cyclists and car drivers and among cyclists<br/><br>
are fought in Copenhagen as well as in Stockholm. The conclusion is that different factors, such as the economic<br/><br>
situations in Denmark and Sweden, have affected urban and transport planning and thus have created two very<br/><br>
different transport systems, where cycling plays a large role (Copenhagen) and a smaller role (Stockholm).<br/><br>
Nevertheless, this thesis shows that even in cities that are very good for cycling, like Copenhagen, the motorised modes<br/><br>
of transport create many problems and are still dominating urban space.}},
  author       = {{Koglin, Till}},
  issn         = {{1653-1930}},
  keywords     = {{Vélomobility; mobility; planning; space; power relations; urban cycling}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  publisher    = {{Lund University}},
  school       = {{Lund University}},
  series       = {{Bulletin}},
  title        = {{Vélomobility - A critical analysis of planning and space}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/4053475/3972519.pdf}},
  volume       = {{284}},
  year         = {{2013}},
}