Perceived Cyclability: Understanding Student Perspectives on Cyclability
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2025-06-20
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en
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This thesis examines students’ perceptions of cyclability in Nijmegen through a qualitative, bottom up approach, offering a contrast to the primarily quantitative, top-down methods common in existing literature and urban planning. By emphasizing the value of subjective, user centered insights, the study explores key themes emerging from semi-structured interviews with students. These include a clear preference for practical infrastructure over aesthetic or environmentally green infrastructure, as well as the significant influence of personal experiences shaped by culture, senses, and the cycling purpose. In addition, external and social factors, such as weather conditions and the individual’s social environment, were found to shape how cyclability is perceived. While the findings generally align with existing research, the qualitative nature provides a deeper, more nuanced understanding of perceived cyclability. The study highlights the importance of considering cycling purpose when looking at other aspects and points to future research directions, including social safety and bicycle maintenance barriers. Although the qualitative scope limits generalizability, the results contribute valuable insights for urban planning, particularly the need for participatory approaches that prioritize users’ lived experiences. Future studies can also test the emerging themes and expand the findings across different societal groups and geographical contexts.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen