Se déplacer à vélo dans les territoires ruraux : plurivocité d’une pratique engagée

Abstract

The aim of this article is to take a closer look at everyday cycling mobility in rural areas, which is still not very visible or studied. Focusing on cycling in rural areas allows us to question an emerging practice, often considered dangerous and inconvenient, in areas where cycling is more associated with leisure. The choice of a pragmatic approach centered on engagement opens up a nuanced apprehension of the plurality of existing practices and the many ways of "making do" with the conditions offered by rural areas, between busy roads and longer distances. These are all based on individual adaptations that modulate the effort required to get around by bike. But engaging in cycling mobility also means subscribing to a certain conception of "good mobility", whether this implies ecological, cheap or simply pleasant mobility. It's the balance struck between the effort required and the “good” sought that helps to stabilize and perpetuate the practice.

Keywords

• France
• everyday mobility
• rural areas
• cycling
• commitment