This research explores why despite growing public interest and the expansion of the electric bike-sharing system BiciMAD, Madrid remains heavily car-dependent, with bicycles accounting for only a small fraction of daily commutes. To understand the psychological and environmental factors driving this modal shift, this research applies the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavioral change to assess where residents currently stand in relation to the adoption of cycling. Using a mixed-methods approach comprising a cross-sectional survey of 363 residents and 14 interviews with citizens and key stakeholders, the research explores the perceptions and lived experiences of individuals across different stages of cycling adoption, from precontemplation to active use.
The findings highlight significant demographic and spatial disparities in urban mobility that act as physical and mental barriers. A major gender gap exists, as women often feel less safe navigating heavy traffic and are less likely to progress to active cycling stages. Geographically, high-speed ring roads like the M-30 serve as "walls" that isolate peripheral neighborhoods from the city center’s infrastructure. While safety, health and sustainability are foundational concerns, the research suggests that individual transition into active cycling is primarily influenced by experiential factors, specifically the perceived efficiency and personal enjoyment of cycling.
Ultimately, the study highlights a critical disconnect between institutional mobility policies and citizen well-being. While an overwhelming 80.1% of residents demand the expansion of continuous, segregated bike lanes to feel safe enough to cycle, current municipal strategies relegate bicycles to a "secondary actor" or a mere bridge mode for public transit, explicitly avoiding grand-scale prioritization. To successfully encourage widespread behavioral change and ensure equitable access and well-being for all age groups and genders, urban governance must transition to building connected, protected infrastructure that prioritizes human safety and well-being.
