Racialized and Gendered Bicycling Spaces: Social Barriers to Regular Bicycling in Portland, Oregon

• In Event: 1483 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 100min: Table 10. Gentrification and Segregation

Abstract

Although both scholars and community organization have begun the critically important task of exploring the specific barriers to bicycling for women and minorities, much of this work utilizes quantitative methodologies to ascertain barriers across multiple groups. The present study seeks to build upon existing research to clarify what prevents women and people of color (specifically those who already own a bike and are comfortable with riding it) from becoming more routine cyclists.

Findings from 30 qualitative interviews with women and people of color who bike in Portland, OR suggest that social barriers related to racism and sexism in public spaces are significant challenges that deter people from riding more routinely.

Authors

• Amy Lubitow, Portland State University

• Kyla Tompkins, Portland State University