Study shows cyclists are more concerned about the common good than drivers

In a groundbreaking study published in the November 2023 issue of the Journal of Environmental Psychology, researchers have shed light on a remarkable finding: cyclists exhibit a greater commitment to the common good compared to their motorist counterparts. The study, titled “Orientation towards the common good in cities: The role of individual urban mobility behavior,” sought to explore the relationship between urban mobility choices, such as cycling and driving, and their impact on societal cohesion. This revelation is poised to revolutionize our understanding of the benefits associated with cycling and underscores the potential advantages of investing in walking and cycling infrastructure within our cities.

The study, conducted by a team led by Harald Schuster from the Faculty of Psychology at the FernUniversität in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, was based on extensive annual surveys conducted on the general population of Germany between 2014 and 2019. Its primary objective was to examine how people’s mobility choices influenced their orientation towards the “common good,” a concept integral to fostering social cohesion, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The researchers defined orientation towards the common good using four distinct measures: political participation, social participation in various organizations, neighborhood solidarity, and neighborly helpfulness. The results were illuminating, with cycling emerging as a significant positive predictor for all four facets of orientation towards the common good, even after controlling for potential confounding variables such as homeownership, personal income, education, and gender.

The key to understanding this phenomenon lies in the distinct experiences associated with different modes of transport. As the study’s authors pointed out, private motor vehicles, especially cars, have become the norm for urban mobility, dominating public spaces. However, the design of these vehicles significantly reduces the interactions their occupants have with their immediate environment. Passengers in cars are insulated from the outside world, rendering them largely isolated from the sensory experiences that pedestrians and cyclists encounter.

This isolation creates a stark contrast between drivers and those who opt for cycling. Individuals who cycle regularly have more opportunities for direct interaction with their environment, including their neighborhoods and fellow community members. These interactions contribute to their heightened perception of orientation towards the common good, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

The study underscores the crucial link between mobility behavior and the common good. The findings hold significant implications for urban policy and planning. Cycling is not merely an environmentally friendly alternative to driving; it is a force that promotes social cohesion and a commitment to the well-being of the community.

However, it’s important to note that the study did not explore whether individuals with a predisposition toward the common good are more inclined to ride bikes or if cycling itself fosters this orientation.

It is worth remembering that many individuals who cycle also drive, selecting their mode of transport based on the specific requirements of their journeys. This overlapping use of different modes does not negate the unique experiences associated with each. Cyclists, whether they also drive or not, often report a heightened awareness of their local environment and more opportunities for community interaction, which may contribute to their stronger commitment to the common good.

Not to mention, being active outside puts everyone in a better mood and more likely to do good.

The next time you find yourself on two wheels and observe the subtle nuances of your neighborhood, or strike up a friendly conversation with a fellow cyclist at a traffic light, you’ll not only be experiencing the joy of cycling but also contributing to the common good of your community. This study illuminates the undeniable impact of cycling on fostering a stronger, more caring society, making it clear that investing in cycling infrastructure is not just about reducing air and noise pollution but also about creating a better society for us all.