Cultural characteristics of high-cycling cities: A narrative review with a systematic search strategy

Cycling is widely recognised for its positive health and environmental impacts. Its regular use is common in some cities, while remaining marginal in others. Although cultural perspectives on mobility are increasingly explored, the literature on cycling culture remains broad and fragmented. To inform recommendations for promoting cycling in low-cycling cities, this review systematically compares characteristics of high- and low-cycling cities based on a conceptualisation of culture encompassing “perceptions, experiences and emotions”, “policies and institutions”, “material aspects”, and “competence”. Analysis of 79 articles reveals that high-cycling cities feature extensive cycling infrastructure, supportive cycling policies, widespread cycling competence, and positive emotions towards cycling. Furthermore, findings indicate that these cultural characteristics sustain a “norm of cycling” which reciprocally reinforces cycling culture. However, even in high-cycling cities, the cycling norm can be less visible in deprived and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods or populations. The review underscores the need for inclusive, multilevel interventions to maximise cycling as an equitable transport mode. Finally, we propose a refined definition of cycling culture as “The dynamic interconnection of material elements, institutional arrangements and rules, abilities, and emotions, experiences and perceptions related to cycling, which gives rise to a norm of cycling which in turn shapes cycling culture” which can guide future research and policy development.