Trends in the discussion of cycling in urban environments: An X-based study

Abstract

Urban transportation addresses issues affecting the population and environment of a city. To handle this problem, scientific literature and public policies are increasingly oriented towards promoting sustainable means of transport in urban environments, such as cycling. Public opinion is a key factor in shaping these policies for greater effectiveness and, therefore, must be taken into consideration. This study aims to analyse the topics and sentiments expressed by bicycle users on X (formerly Twitter) regarding urban cycling since the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Posts published between 2016 and 2022 were retrieved using the X search API and processed through text mining techniques to identify the main themes and emotional tones. The results reveal a predominance of positive perceptions towards cycling, often linked to its benefits for health, mobility, and sustainability. At the same time, recurring negative sentiments reflect user concerns about infrastructure limitations and coexistence with motor vehicles. These dual narratives suggest that, while cycling is widely recognised as a valuable means of urban transport, its development still faces significant challenges in practice. In conclusion, the analysis of public discourse on social media provides valuable insights into how cycling is perceived and discussed by urban residents. These findings underline the potential of platforms like X to inform the development of more inclusive and effective mobility policies. By aligning policy interventions with citizen perspectives, such strategies can foster greater public engagement and contribute more effectively to the achievement of the SDGs.