Cycling as a Social Practice: Factors Affecting Bicycle Infrastructure Development in Moscow

Urban cycling is considered to be an atypical practice among the inhabitants of Moscow. However, there is a noticeable shift towards increasing of the share of bicycle trips in the city and the development of bicycle infrastructure. This study examines different types of cycling practices in the city. The analysis of bicycle trip as a social practice is aimed at identifying factors that stimulate and impede the reproduction of these practices. As a result of the analysis of in-depth interviews a typology of cycling practices in Moscow was fromed: 1) Commuting trips • Commuting trips using a bicycle all the way • Multimodal Commuting trips 2) Recreational trips • Trips for recreation • Recreational trips as an alternative to sports • Recreational trips to explore the city 3) Mixed-type trips • Evening recreational commuting For each type the factors of choosing a practice were identified. The elements of a favourable and unfavourable urban environment were distinguished from the standpoint of two concepts - safety and comfort. An unfavourable urban environment prevents the spread of bicycle practices among the citizens. Bicycle infrastructure can reduce the impact of adverse factors. Since these factors vary for different types of practices, the approach to designing a bicycle infrastructure must be different. Recommendations were developed in accordance with the conditions necessary for the dissemination of each type of practice.