Intersectionality and Cycling in a Neoliberal Landscape

Lam, Tiffany (2025) Intersectionality and Cycling in a Neoliberal Landscape. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

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Abstract

Technocratic neoliberal policies have led to increased investment in cycling in the UK, justified by environmental, economic, health and liveability benefits. However, these benefits are not distributed equitably and cycling policy, planning and practice have perpetuated fundamental processes of marginalisation associated with neoliberal urbanism. Despite increased growth and investment in cycling in the UK, and the widespread ‘cycling for everyone’ rhetoric, it remains dominated by middle-class white men.

This PhD by publication brings together the research I have conducted on inclusive cycling over the past ten years, which has made three novel contributions. Firstly, I have advanced analysis of cycling inequalities through the novel application of intersectionality to sustainable urbanism and transport research. Secondly, my work has had a practical impact by informing the development of more equitable and inclusive cycling policies and environments through a decade of working with city officials, policymakers and practitioners globally. Finally, this thesis critically reflects on the structures, cultures and practices that limit the ability of intersectional interventions to impact cycling policy and planning.

The research presented encompasses three academic papers on inclusive city cycling, three policy papers on gender and sustainable urban mobility and planning and two practitioner papers on embedding equity in active travel. The original research took place between 2017 and 2023 and involved literature reviews, qualitative analysis of policy documents, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, the creation of zines to capture diverse women’s experiences of cycling, ethnography at cycling events and autoethnography based on my cycling experiences in London.

My critical discussion of this body of work draws on contemporary autoethnographic reflections on my past experiences working with UK transport professionals and policymakers to promote inclusive cycling. I argue that the neoliberalisation of cycling and the depoliticization of intersectionality inhibit the potential of intersectionality to make cycling more equitable and inclusive. I offer suggestions on how to challenge, reimagine and transform the ecosystem of cycling institutions such that they are structured to deliver cycling equity.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Publication
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Environmental Sciences
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	10 Nov 2025 09:59
Last Modified:	10 Nov 2025 09:59
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/100933
DOI:

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