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From people to cycling indicators: Documenting and understanding the urban context of cyclists' experiences in Quito, Ecuador

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  • Gamble, Julie
  • Snizek, Bernhard
  • Nielsen, Thomas Sick

Abstract

This paper discusses the potentials of a mixed-methods approach to collecting, mapping, and analyzing cyclists' experiences. By starting from an ethnographic perspective, data was gathered from urban cyclists in Quito, Ecuador to understand the contemporary factors that influence cyclists' experiences. This approach seeks to challenge how technical data on cycling can be collected and visualized. To comprehend the quotidian experiences of moving in the city, 75 photo-diaries were distributed to urban cycling activists in Quito. This paper uses data returned by 26 individuals who identify with the subcultural group of cycling activists in Quito that has a thick description of their experiences and circulation patterns accompanied by photos taken by the participants. After gathering photo-diaries, the data was digitally mapped using Google Earth and then subsequently quantitative mapping approaches were used to digitize and analyze the objective environmental correlates of experiences of cyclists. Activists took photographs and used tags to label experiences. These experiences were then labeled positive, negative, or neutral. By relating the experience points and the routes taken in the urban area, results reveal the importance of centrality, the bicycle lane network, and green space for a positive experience, demonstrating how a mixed-methods approach to experience data can contribute to a greater understanding of cycling conditions in the urban context.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jotrge:v:60:y:2017:i:c:p:167-177
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2017.03.004
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    2. Christian Werner & Elisabeth Füssl & Jannik Rieß & Bernd Resch & Florian Kratochwil & Martin Loidl, 2022. "A Framework to Facilitate Advanced Mixed Methods Studies for Investigating Interventions in Road Space for Cycling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-22, December.
    3. Jirón, Paola & Carrasco, Juan-Antonio & Rebolledo, Marcela, 2020. "Observing gendered interdependent mobility barriers using an ethnographic and time use approach," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 204-214.
    4. Wang, Hwachyi & De Backer, Hans & Lauwers, Dirk & Chang, S.K.Jason, 2019. "A spatio-temporal mapping to assess bicycle collision risks on high-risk areas (Bridges) - A case study from Taipei (Taiwan)," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 94-109.
    5. Aldred, Rachel & Watson, Tom & Lovelace, Robin & Woodcock, James, 2019. "Barriers to investing in cycling: Stakeholder views from England," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 128(C), pages 149-159.

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