Mind the gap: an evaluation of the organisational, practical and social influences on the implementation of cycling-specific policies in Aberdeen.

Hood, Caroline Margaret

Abstract

Where cycling and the bicycle are often presented as a solution to automobility and dominance of the car, can cycling practices exist within such dominant structures and the associated socio-cultural perspectives? Located within the field of mobilities, this thesis evaluates the organisational, practical and social influences on the implementation of cycling-specific policies in Aberdeen, Scotland. Although qualitative studies in this field are growing in number, a prior significant body of work has relied on quantitative data and therefore has not been able to incorporate the discourses of cyclists. Furthermore, in previous qualitative studies, the discourses of policymakers have not been fully explored, particularly within the field of transport and cycling policy. This thesis draws on qualitative survey and interview data gathered from members of the public who are cyclists, and from policymakers involved in the development and implementation of cycling policies and projects in Aberdeen. Using practice theory and drawing on thematic analysis to further contextualise data, this thesis offers much-needed qualitative conceptualisations of cycling to complement extant quantitative research in transportation planning and health research. The focus on policy and inclusion of interview data from policymakers adds novelty and depth to this research. It is established that: (i) within the theoretical framework of practice theory, at present, the practice of cycling does not exist in Aberdeen; and (ii) there are significant gaps in the organisational, practical and social structures in Scotland that act as barriers to policy development and implementation. The findings of this thesis have policy implications for cycling in Aberdeen and the wider national policy landscape for cycling in Scotland. Through interrogating both the nature of cycling and policymaking for cycling in Aberdeen through the theoretical framework of practice theory, this thesis addresses a significant gap in this field of knowledge and offers a contribution to both theoretical and practical knowledge.

Citation

HOOD, C.M. 2024. Mind the gap: an evaluation of the organisational, practical and social influences on the implementation of cycling-specific policies in Aberdeen. Robert Gordon University, PhD thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2795651

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Apr 18, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 18, 2025
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-2795651
• Keywords: Cycling; Cyclists; Velomobility; Automobility; Transport; Transport policy; Local government; Scotland
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/2795651
• Award Date: Jul 31, 2024