Bicycle urbanism as a competitive advantage in the neoliberal age: the case of bicycle promotion in Portland

In the light of the emergent ‘bicycle renaissance’ in the US, this paper
analyses the rationale basis of bicycle role model, Portland’s promotion
of bicycling. By conceptualizing bicycle promotion as a ‘travelling idea’,
the paper discusses the key rationales and discourses structuring how
bicycle policies are translated into the City of Portland. The study finds
that strong neoliberal rationales such as competitiveness, costeffectiveness,
and value for money are pivotal in Portland’s
legitimization of spending on bicycle promotion, with sustainability and
equity concerns being comparatively neglected. It is argued that this
approach raises serious questions about the bicycle’s potential as an
egalitarian and sustainable practice, and urges potential ‘bicycle cities’
and advocates to be aware of the incommensurability of the creative
class strategy and environmental justice goals.