Vínculos entre la bicicleta utilitaria, recreativa y deportiva: análisis del impacto de los programas "Ecobici" y "Muévete en Bici" de la Ciudad de México (2006-2012)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of two public programs aimed at promoting the use of bicycles, launched by former Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard during his term in office (2006-2012): the Sunday Bike Program called “Muevete en Bici” (MenB) and the Bike Sharing System “Ecobici”. Based on two surveys, applied to a thousand respondents each, and three focus groups, we seek to shed light on the existing correlations between the two programs MenB y Ecobici, identifying the representations, sensations, experiences and practices surrounding the use of the bicycle. To what extent is a utilitarian mode of transportation able to fulfill people’s need for physical activity, recreation and entertainment? What role can a Sunday Bike program play in changing people’s lifestyles and developing new mobility habits? In this article, we focus more deeply on the study of the social, individual and psychosocial factors that enable social change or, on the contrary, contribute to the perpetuation of deeply-rooted habits and behaviors.