Emerging Storylines in the Context of the Pandemic for the Mainstreaming of Bicycles in the Transport System

Abstract

Using Metropolitan Manila in the Philippines as a case study, we investigate how the Covid pandemic has opened up a window of opportunity for the de-legitimization of dominant storylines marginalizing cycling and the legitimization of alternative storylines favoring the mainstreaming of bicycles in urban transport systems. Storylines are condensed summaries of complex narratives deployed as convenient shorthand in discussions. Through a content analysis of posts from ten Facebook groups by cycling advocates, we identify six pairs of contending storylines and their key narratives. Furthermore, through semi-formal interviews and an online survey, we determine the level of agreement and the consensus around agreement with the content of the storylines among a limited sample of respondents representing various backgrounds. Our results suggest that pre-pandemic, delegitimizing storylines resonate more strongly among the respondents. Peri-pandemic, a positive shift has occurred in the social representation of bicycles in Metropolitan Manila, as indicated by the emergence of legitimizing storylines. This does not mean, however, that this positive shift is complete and not challenged anymore. Though a rapid legitimization of pro-cycling storylines has been observed, there is an ongoing contestation against such legitimization. Whether the peri-pandemic cycling gains can be sustained post-pandemic is an open question.