Madrid currently hosts car dominated mobility, partially mitigated by an extensive public transport service. The city started developing a bicycle infrastructure and the number of cyclists steadily increased. However, the network of bicycle lanes is not yet finished nor well connected in most of its points, and the cyclist group has not yet reached so-called ‘critical mass’.

This project investigates the current mobility conditions, particularly regarding cycling. We propose interventions that look at fast bicycle infrastructure creation, widening the approach by including complementary and supporting elements. The proposal advances the general discussion and considerations, and contributes to the development of non-motorised mobility with conceptual suggestions.

It is widely agreed that sustainable improvements do not rapidly occur. Rather, they happen due to a set of small adjustments and events placed over a long timeframe, with complex interactions between competing groups of actors. The coordination of these events and actors reinforces the transition towards a more sustainable system.

The directions given by international and institutional reports, and by the authorities and personalities interviewed have been considered, and are a signi cant part of the conceptual development. The methodology includes interviews, planning tools, boundary objects and experts’ observations. The theoretical framework includes Multi-Level Perspective (MLP) as the analytical backbone, and Strategic Niche Management (SNM) for practical guidelines.

The project concludes by providing a group of interventions that will reinforce the four dimensions of the niche, namely: (1) articulation of expectations, (2) facilitation of social networks and (3) learning processes, and (4) creation of external links. Additionally, a transition to urban sustainability requires incremental actions by both the local governance and the citizens, to facilitate the coexistence of diverse means of transport, empower sustainable ones and moderate ineffective energy consumption. Complementary approaches embracing multiple perspectives can improve the development of effective solutions.