Exploring the relationship between perceived bikeability and gender-inclusive micromobility usage: A study across 53 French cities

As the utilization of micromobility continues to experience growth and diversification, while simultaneously gaining recognition as an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation, it remains predominantly male-dominated. Recent scientific literature has highlighted the importance of inclusive strategies, demonstrating a strong correlation between the gender gap in cycling participation and the overall cycling levels within a given area. This indirect relationship necessitates identifying the factors that promote gender-inclusive bicycle usage. Focusing on the French context, the key objectives of this empirical research are (i) measuring gender inequalities in the use of bike and emerging micromobility at the municipal level, (ii) assessing the influence of built environment and urban design on the gendered modal share of cyclists, and (iii) comparing and clustering the investigated French cities with the development of an index that takes into account gender equity, the modal share of cycling, and the perceived bikeability. By drawing from two distinct databases based on the use of micromobility and the subjective bikeability of cities and by conducting quantitative observations, this original study sheds light on the significant connection between gender-balanced cycling distribution, cycling modal share, cycling infrastructure presence and perceived bikeability. This paper concludes that encouraging women to embrace cycling is not solely dependent on achieving a critical mass of cyclists or building cycling lanes. Instead, it emphasizes the need for the development of a comprehensive ’bicycle system’ that takes into account all aspects of bikeability. This innovative outcome leads to the categorization of examined cities based on the development of a gender-inclusive with cycling quality index. This exploration underscores the vital role of urban planning and offers recommendations for stakeholders regarding future policy initiatives.