IN-PERSON Barcelona Livable Cities. Section B

Abstract

Cycling is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility and liveable city design, yet many medium-sized cities face unique challenges in promoting cycling adoption. This study focuses on Tarragona, a medium-sized city in Catalonia with low cycling uptake, where insufficient infrastructure has been identified as a key barrier from the citizen perspective. Specifically, the research aims to explore how cycling promotion strategies in low-cycling contexts like Tarragona differ from those employed in larger urban centers. To examine these dynamics, qualitative interviews are planned with key stakeholders, including former and current city council members, urban planners, transport authorities, and advocacy groups. The interviews will address questions such as: How do resource allocation and governance structures shape cycling promotion strategies in medium-sized cities? What challenges and opportunities arise when adapting strategies from larger cities to smaller contexts? How do stakeholders balance the competing priorities of urban mobility, liveability, and economic growth? This study aims to identify the distinct political, administrative, and contextual factors that influence cycling promotion in medium-sized cities. By comparing these findings with strategies commonly adopted in larger cities, the research aims to highlight tailored approaches for advancing sustainable urban mobility in low-cycling contexts. The outcomes will provide actionable insights for policymakers and planners, contributing to the broader discourse on creating more liveable and sustainable cities across diverse urban scales.