Uncertainty in Contextual Effects on Mobility: An Exploration of Causality

Abstract

Although various forms of uncertainty have been examined in studies of how geographical contexts influence mobility in recent years, this article argues that greater attention should be paid to those types that cannot be tackled automatically with better data or analysis techniques. Using cycling adoption and levels as an example, it reflects on some of the uncertainties resulting from reliance in empirical research on the assumption of causality as regularity in conjunction between dependent and independent variables. It suggests that working with other understandings of causality can begin to shed light on difficult-to-detect forms of ignorance and generate more dynamic and precise insights into how contexts condition and shape behaviors and spatial practices.