Many cities are struggling to design infrastructure for growing number of cyclists. For some this is a response to an already occurring growth while for others this design is aimed at actively increasing cycling. In this worldwide endeavour, there is surprisingly little structural evidence for the actual behaviour of cyclists. This makes it difficult to design solutions that meet their needs. In continuation of the critique of traditional transport research launched by advocates of the ‘mobilities turn’ we argue that a better understanding of the motivations and needs of cyclists is a necessity in order to ensure a further promotion of cycling. This study aims to develop a better understanding of why cyclists interact with the design of the material environment, each other and other road users in the way they do. To do so, we apply the analytical framework of Staging Mobilities (Jensen, 2013) that identifies the physical settings, material spaces and design, the social interactions and the embodied performances as the dimensions that stage mobilities ‘in situ’.

The research is designed as case studies of Amsterdam and Copenhagen, two of the leading cities in terms of urban cycling. The research takes point of departure in existing desire lines studies of cyclists in selected intersections in Amsterdam and Copenhagen. This is supplemented with observations as well as eleven ride-along interviews in order to study the embodied practice of cycling. The ride-along interviews are conducted with cyclists who have varying knowledge of the route of study in order to identify how it is perceived by different users. The study identifies three key factors which influence the behaviour of cyclists including the car centric design of the material environment, the flexibility of cyclists and the individual perception of safety of cyclists. Based on those key factors a diagram is suggested to explain why cyclists interact with the design, each other and other road users in the way they do. Doing case studies of Amsterdam and Copenhagen, two of the world’s most bike-friendly cities, the culture of cycling is also found to be inherently different which highlights the embodiment of cycling. Accordingly, it is argued that future studies and initiatives to promote cycling need to acknowledge and take the embodiment of cycling into account.