How cycling in urban environments is experienced affects both route choice and how much people cycle – especially among women. Safety and surroundings determine who cycles, where, and how often
With a goal of creating a more sustainable transport system, a shift toward more cycling is on the agenda for many local, national, and transnational authorities.
But new research shows that insecurity and stress in traffic lead many to choose long detours – or leave the bike at home. This applies particularly to women.
Tineke de Jong (Norwegian University of Life Sciences and Institute of Transport Economics) studied how the urban environment influences cycling in Oslo.
She collected data using GPS tracking of over 25,000 cycling routes, along with participants’ background information and an online map-based survey about experiences. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to show route choices and places perceived as unpleasant.
The research found the following:
- Negative traffic experiences often occur in areas with public transport, bus stops, tram lines, and other stressful situations such as intersections.
- Women’s experience of insecurity in traffic are more widespread. They are more sensitive to steep hills and lack of safety measures.
- Cycling-specific infrastructure is valued by all types of cyclists.
- Cooperation between public transport and cycling should be prioritized for better integration and user-friendliness.
- Planning must consider how public transport and cycling can work together, not compete
De Jong also criticizes how current cycling planning is often tailored to the average cyclist – typically a man with an office job, since they dominate existing data.
She shows how data on actual behaviour and experiences can provide a basis for fairer and more inclusive urban planning..
Why do women feel more unsafe?
Women often choose routes with lower speeds and more crossings. Yet they report unpleasant experiences more frequently, such as close passing, poor separation from cars, and unpredictable traffic behaviour.
“This is linked to different risk tolerance and safety needs, but is also affected by their activities such as grocery shopping or accompanying children,” says de Jong.
"Planning must also include cycle paths to places where more women work, such as universities, hospitals, homes, and schools, or for accompanying trips."
What are they doing wrong in Oslo?
Oslo has done a lot right regarding cycling measures, says de Jong.
“Much has changed in the last 10 years. They have invested in measures for safer cycling, cycle lanes have become wider, bus stops can now be passed safely. But there is still a lack of a holistic, safe, and continuous cycling network for everyone."
"Many routes are fragmented, end abruptly at intersections, or share space with heavy car traffic. The responsibility lies with the municipality (planning and maintenance), national authorities (regulations and financing), and coordination between actors,” adds de Jong.
What can we learn from Copenhagen?
Copenhagen is a Nordic city that has succeeded in getting a large share of residents to cycle. What are they doing that Oslo isn’t?
“Copenhagen has a continuous, wide, and physically separated cycling network," explains de Jong. "Oslo lacks the same degree of separation and predictability, which creates different feelings of safety and usage patterns.”
“It is also important to plan for both drivers and public transport users in one system - and Oslo has a high share of public transport."
"Copying from the Netherlands or Denmark does not always provide the necessary solutions in this issue.”
What should be done?
De Jong recommends the following measures:
- Urban planners must consider user experiences, not just physical infrastructure. Cycling next to a motorway may be fast but is not very attractive, nor does it connect local centers, schools, and leisure activities.
- Creation of dedicated cycle paths that take public transport and different groups’ needs into account.
- Creation of more inclusive cycling options for women and others who cycle less, such as older people and children.
- Greater variety and more research on dynamic factors such as traffic and seasonal variations.
Why do these findings matter?
Cycling is key to a more sustainable transport system, and can have health and climate benefits.
The findings are important for urban planners, transport authorities, and politicians who want to increase the share of cycling, as well as urban inhabitants and cyclists as a whole.
Tineke de Jong will defend her doctoral thesis Urban Environments and Cycling: A GPS-based Investigation of Experiences, Route Choices and Gender Differences in Oslo, Norway at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) on 2 December 2025.
See the event webpage for details on how to attend.