Biciactivismo en Medellín. De la acción colectiva a la agenda política

Abstract

The analysis of collective action from Medellin’s cycling advocacy groups on the political agenda of the city, when seen through an Interpretativist Theoretical Perspective, is a reflection of the actual gap between the citizens and the public policy. This fact gives importance to the contexts, local knowledge, and the citizenry’s arguments. The case study is in itself a tool of methodological inquiry. Empirical evidence is gathered by applying semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and documentary review. Such evidence is systematized using matrixes and map-analysis. Cycling advocacy groups of Medellin become visible through proposals which represent the bicycle as a symbol of the city, politics, and of the citizen who participates and is involved. Now, this vision is earning a room within the current political agenda of the city, opening possible decision-making scenarios that would demand respect for the life and the right of the city.