Anti-cycling sentiment
Hostility towards cyclists or cycling infrastructure
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Anti-cycling sentiment is hostility towards cyclists or opposition to cycling infrastructure, such as bike lanes. Anti-cycling sentiment is sometimes referred to as bikelash.[1][2] Anti-cycling sentiment may result in harassment and violence against cyclists. Some populations, such as women cyclists or disabled cyclists, may experience targeted abuse.[3][4] Anti-cycling sentiment first emerged in the 1800s, after the invention of the dandy horse and velocipede followed by the modern bicycle, with some jurisdictions restricting or banning bicycles due to conflicts with horse riders and pedestrians.[5]
About
According to a 2023 survey, the United Kingdom has high levels of anti-cycling sentiment, with 45% of British people expressing a negative view of cycling. Only 20% of Polish people expressed a negative view of cycling.[6]
In 1897, Columbus, Ohio Mayor Samuel Luccock Black referred to reckless cyclists as "evil".[7]
Attempts to ban bicycles
During the 19th century, following the invention of the dandy horse and later the bicycle, conflicts emerged between cyclists and horse riders. Some horse riders called for bicycles to be banned from roads.[8] During the 1920s, there were attempts to ban children from riding bicycles in the United Kingdom. A 1929 report from the CTC Gazette of the Cyclists' Touring Club characterized the attempt to ban children from riding bicycles as the latest anti-cycling scare promoted by the British national press.[9]
In 1819, New York City effectively banned velocipedes and dandy horses.[10]
In 1879, New York City banned bicycles from Central Park, restricting the park to horses and carriages only. In 1880, three cyclists were arrested in Central Park for ignoring the ban.[11]
Opposition to women cycling
In the 1800s and early 1900s, women cyclists were sometimes considered immodest or unfeminine. The Women's Rescue League in Boston opposed women on bicycles, due to the perception that female cycling was "unwomanly and immodest" and "prevent[ed] motherhood among married women".[12]
Opposition to cycling infrastructure
Proposals to install bike lanes are often followed by vocal opposition by local groups. In some locations, opponents of bike lanes have succeeded in having bike lanes removed.[13] In the United States, the Trump administration has expressed opposition to bike lanes and has attempted to remove the bike lanes on 15th Street in Washington, D.C.[14] Some New York City residents have fought against the installation of bike lanes, including residents of the Upper West Side.[15]
Violence against cyclists
Women cyclists have reported violence and sexual harassment from male car drivers. Some women are reluctant to use bicycles due to safety concerns, including verbal harassment and sexual harassment.[16][17]