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Contested Streets: a Case-Study Approach to Understanding Bicycle

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Contested Streets: a Case-Study Approach to Understanding Bicycle Contested Streets: A Case Study Approach to Understanding Bicycle and Car Politics in Toronto, Canada by Jennifer Tannis Hill A thesis submitted in conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Department of Geography and Planning University of Toronto © Copyright by Jennifer Hill 2010 Contested Streets: A Case Study Approach to Understanding Bicycle and Car Politics in Toronto, Canada Jennifer Tannis Hill Master of Arts Department of Geography and Planning University of Toronto 2010 Abstract Using qualitative interviews, this thesis examines bicycle and car politics in Toronto, Canada to understand: i) how automobility affects those engaged in contesting and supporting cycling initiatives; ii) why the installation of cycling infrastructure has been politicized; and iii) whether strategies used by cycling activists are effective. The paper concludes that contemporary cultural and economic values surrounding automobility are visible in those engaged in bicycle and car politics. Findings suggest that the politicization of efforts to install cycling infrastructure arise due to how these values manifest themselves in the political realm, and the interrelationship between a lack of coherent transportation policy, the institutionalization of automobiles in planning and a ward-based decision-making system that entrenches suburban and urban biases. Activist strategies could be more effective by moving away from a focus on cycling lanes to address cultural norms associated with automobiles and bicycles and by focusing on a ‘complete streets’ approach. ii Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge my thesis committee for their guidance throughout the research process - with a special thank you to Scott Prudham for going above and beyond his duties to provide me with extra support and time to discuss ideas, challenge my thinking and to talk bikes. As a new arrival to Toronto, Elsa Fancello and Laura Hatcher brought me into their worlds and provided a necessary and welcome weekly dinner distraction from a sometimes solitary academic existence. Thanks to Corey MacIver for keeping me riding via his emergency cross-atlantic internet bike mechanic advice. To Adam Underwood, for pre-coffee morning laughter and late night glasses of wine, and for the comfort of having an old and dear friend always close at hand. A huge thank you to Rebecca Collard, Martin Danyluk and Clint Abbott for their edits and comments on my drafts - aside from the sound advice and suggestions given, your offers of support mean more than you can know. And finally, to my Dad, who I believe gave me more pep talks in the last year than in the last ten and spent considerable time reviewing early drafts. I couldn’t have done it without you. iii Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................ iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iv List of Appendices ........................................................................................................................ vii Chapter 1 - Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Research Objectives and Rationale ...................................................................................... 4 1.3 Relevance of Research ......................................................................................................... 5 1.4 Thesis Format ....................................................................................................................... 7 Chapter 2 - Literature Review ......................................................................................................... 9 2.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 9 2.2 Automobility and Cycling .................................................................................................. 10 2.2.1 The Rise and Institutionalization of the Private Automobile in Toronto, Canada ... 10 2.2.2 Why the Automobile Became Dominant ................................................................. 12 2.2.3 The Rise and Fall (and Rise?) of the Bicycle .......................................................... 16 2.2.4 Key Messages and Discussion ................................................................................. 18 2.3 Social Movements and Cycling ......................................................................................... 20 2.3.1 American and European Schools of Thought .......................................................... 21 2.3.2 New Social Movements – Addressing the ‘Why’ Question .................................... 21 2.3.3 Political Process Approach – Addressing the ‘How’ Question ............................... 22 2.3.4 Cycling Activism ..................................................................................................... 24 2.4 Key Messages and Discussion .................................................................................... 30 Chapter Three - Methods .............................................................................................................. 31 3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 31 iv 3.2 Methodological Rational and Data Collection Methods .................................................... 31 3.2.1 Case Study Approach ............................................................................................... 31 3.2.2 Multiple Methods and Triangulation ....................................................................... 32 3.3 Methods .............................................................................................................................. 33 3.3.1 Recruitment of Research Participants ...................................................................... 33 3.3.2 Interviews ................................................................................................................. 34 3.3.3 Analysis .................................................................................................................... 35 3.3.4 Validity, Rigour and Communication of Results ..................................................... 36 3.4 Positionality........................................................................................................................ 37 Chapter 4 – Results ....................................................................................................................... 39 4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 39 4.2 The Influence of Automobility on Those Engaged in Supporting or Contesting Cycling Initiatives ........................................................................................................................... 40 4.2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 40 4.2.2 The Cultural Politics of Automobility and Cycling ................................................. 41 4.2.3 The Political Economy of Automobility and Cycling ............................................. 49 4.2.4 Discussion ................................................................................................................ 53 4.3 In What Ways Is the Installation of Cycling Infrastructure Politicized in Toronto? Why? ................................................................................................................................. 56 4.3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 56 4.3.2 Transportation Policy ............................................................................................... 56 4.3.3 Institutionalization of Automobility and Cycling .................................................... 58 4.3.4 Ward Based Decision-Making ................................................................................. 60 4.3.5 Top-Down Versus Bottom-up Approaches ............................................................. 63 4.3.6 Where is the Opposition? State politics? Or Social Politics? ................................. 64 4.3.7 Discussion ................................................................................................................ 66 v 4.4 What strategies are cycling activists using to support increased cycling levels? Are these effective? Why or why not? ..................................................................................... 67 4.4.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 67 4.4.2 Policy Framework – Pro-bike? Anti-car? Complete streets? ................................... 68 4.4.3 Activist Focus on Cycling Lanes ............................................................................
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