Against the Grain

Bicycles and Gentrification

At a time when national governments are taking little action in the face of the climate emergency, the bicycle seems an ideal, if of course partial, remedy. It allows us to get around our cities and towns without producing greenhouse gases. Often cities that have encouraged biking, by putting in bicycle lanes and other infrastructure, feel more vibrant and livable. But geographer John Stehlin suggests that, while there is much to commend about bikes, their advocates have also played an unwitting role in the gentrification of cities.

Resources:

John G. Stehlin, Cyclescapes of the Unequal City: Bicycle Infrastructure and Uneven Development 2019

Leave a Reply