Cycling is a key everyday mode of mobility in the developing world and parts of northern Europe, and one which is increasingly being promoted by governments of car-dominated societies such as the UK. Yet whilst the complex and hugely valued practice of cycling addresses important issues in social theory including sustainability, healthy lifestyles and urban quality-of-life, it has been remarkably unexplored by social scientists. This book redresses this gap by bringing together an interdisciplinary team of academics with a strong interest in research into cycling. In doing so, it provides an overview of the significance of cycling to contemporary social and political debates and of the diversity of state-of-art approaches to cycling research. The book is divided into main sections: the technology of the bicycle; everyday uses of the bicycle; the cultures of bicycle users; and the spatial dynamics of bicycle use. It throws light on a range of contemporary debates while also substantially extending the scope of cycling studies. (Author/publisher)
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