Gender, class and race uneven access to bike systems across five Brazilian cities

Author(s)

Fortes, Laura M. ; Giannotti, Mariana ; de Freitas, Flavio Soares

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: CITIES; v. 148, p. 15-pg., 2024-02-20.

Abstract

Multidimensional inequalities have been increasingly discussed in the transportation field, particularly in the case of bike riding. Although several studies focused on the gender differences in bike-share systems, only a few include socioeconomic inequalities and the dimension of race. This study considers a multidimensional perspective, relating the urban space characteristics, cycling infrastructure and bike-sharing mobility distribution patterns. We analyzed the data collected from bike-share systems of five major Brazilian cities to investigate the aspects of cycling behavior in terms of gender. Additionally, we examined the uneven access to cycling infrastructure, considering its socio-spatial inequalities. The obtained results confirm the lack of female bike-sharing cyclists at different levels. The gender difference decreased for bike-share trips with longer durations and recreational purposes. In seaside towns, women represented a higher participation percentage in bike-share cycling, particularly in recreational areas such as parks, seafronts, and lakesides. Although cycle lanes reduced the disparity, they did not ensure the gender balance as observed in recreational areas. The proportion of female bike-share cyclists reduced in areas lacking cycle lanes and near metro-rail stations. Furthermore, the peripheries with more Black and lower-class inhabitants lack bike-friendly spaces, which are vital for promoting more sustainable and equitable cities. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/07616-7 - CEM - Center for Metropolitan Studies
• Grantee: Eduardo Cesar Leão Marques
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC