Shifting the number of people from motorized mobility towards non-motorized mobility has been a global concern due to the rise in private vehicles. Cycling is considered one of the sustainable modes of mobility that supports the green economy. However, many people do not prefer it for their daily commute and are inclined towards using motorized vehicles. This study aims to understand the social acceptance of cycling, people's travel behavior, and attitudes towards cycling. These three factors play a vital role in understanding mobility behavior and the reasons behind the resistance to shifting towards cycling. This mixed-method study is based on both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. For the interviews, participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data were collected through semi-structured key informant interviews. In addition, an online survey and field-level data collection were conducted using convenience sampling for survey participants. Inferential analysis, cross-tabulation, and regression analysis were also conducted to understand the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The study resulted in these major findings. Firstly, in understanding the social acceptance of cycling, the theory of planned behavior consisting of attitude, perceived behavioral control, and social norm barriers was identified. Overall, social acceptance of cycling reflects a positive attitude towards cycling. However, some people still hold a negative attitude due to social norms and perceived behavioral control, which act as major barriers to cycling. This indicates that young people have a more positive attitude towards cycling compared to other age groups. Secondly, non-participatory observations were conducted to assess the current condition and functionality of bicycle infrastructure. These observations indicate a positive inclination towards cycling in the future. However, people are not taking action to incorporate cycling into their daily routines. Providing basic cycling knowledge to students and employees may help them better understand bicycles and their potential uses. This initiative could potentially encourage a habit of cycling to school or work on an occasional basis.
Rubin Singh Maharjan is an advocate for sustainable urban mobility, specializing in walking and cycling. He holds a Master’s in Development Studies from Kathmandu University and serves as Secretary and Lead Researcher at Nepal Cycle Society. Since 2019, he has been involved in research, policy advocacy, and youth mobilization, contributing to initiatives such as the Cycle Lane Master Plan, City Pride Projects, cycle-sharing programs, and pedestrian-friendly developments in Lalitpur. His work focuses on cycling advocacy, tactical urbanism, and promoting social acceptance of cycling. He recently completed an international short course on Sustainable Mobility in Dresden, Germany.