The politics of velomobility: Analysis of the vote to include cycling in the Swiss Constitution

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Ressource 1Download: IJST Voto 2022.pdf (1558.62 [Ko])
State: Public
Version: Final published version
License: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Serval ID
serval:BIB_55F2ACF32898
Type
Article: article from journal or magazin.
Collection
Publications
Institution
Title
The politics of velomobility: Analysis of the vote to include cycling in the Swiss Constitution
Journal
International Journal of Sustainable Transportation
Author(s)
Rérat Patrick, Ravalet Emmanuel
ISSN
1556-8318
1556-8334
Publication state
Published
Issued date
05/05/2022
Peer-reviewed
Oui
Volume
17
Number
5
Pages
503-514
Language
english
Abstract
In 2018, Swiss citizens voted for fostering cycling to be included in the Swiss Constitution. This national vote and a post-vote survey among a representative sample of citizens bring insight into the varying propensity to support cycling among the population. The main explanatory factor is participants’ current cycling practices: cyclists were much more likely to vote positively, as they are more aware of the lack of infrastructure. Non-cyclists were more reluctant, perhaps because they do not wish to challenge the dominant system of automobility. The second most important factor is a right–left political gradient. People on the left were more likely to vote positively and to agree with the arguments for the inclusion of cycling in the Constitution (safety, reduction of congestion, environmental and health benefits), while people on the right were more likely to agree with counterarguments (cycling network already excellent, federalism, unfair to foster cycling). Support for the vote did not vary significantly between social classes, ages or residential contexts. Women, who cycle less than men, voted more in favor and were more concerned about safety, which may be interpreted as a latent demand to cycle. A desire to “catch up” was also observed on the regional level: cantons with a low modal share of cycling were characterized by a higher acceptance rate.
Keywords
cycling, politics, public policy, transport policy, vote
Web of science
Open Access
Yes
Create date
30/05/2022 15:39
Last modification date
03/05/2023 6:54
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