Being Smart about Cycling Futures from Coursera

What is the future of cycling in our cities that struggle to transition to more sustainable and inclusive forms of mobility? What is the role of innovation in ensuring that cycling becomes easier, safer and more accessible for different groups of people? What are Great Bikes and what are Great Cycling Cities?

In this course we tackle these questions, but we do so without providing recipes, one-size-fits-all solutions or rankings of innovations. Instead, this course helps you to develop your own approach to cycling futures and innovation. It teaches you to ask critical questions about various aspects of cycling practice and its place in mobility systems, about cycling innovation and the way in which various stakeholders imagine cycling futures.

This unique course is grounded in the results of the Smart Cycling Futures project (2016-2020), conducted in the Netherlands but through readings and assignments it engages with the wider world. Course development was made possible by sponsor enviolo.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Imagining Cycling Futures

What will the future of cycling be like? This module introduces you to one of the main ideas of the course: that cycling futures are multiple and contested. You will be introduced to velotopias- visions of urban future in which cycling is the key mode of transportation- and to cycling innovations. You'll learn about the Smart Cycling Futures research project and the paradoxes encountered in researching innovations. You will notice that scholars and innovators have different ideas on how cycling should become a more important part of our lives. The different futures that we envision prioritize different values and different ideas about cities, mobility and human interaction.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Helps students build foundational knowledge of cycling in urban transportation systems

Examines how innovation and technology can improve the cycling experience in cities

Develops insights into the role of cycling in sustainable and inclusive mobility

Provides perspectives on the social, economic, and environmental aspects of cycling

Empowers students to critically evaluate cycling futures and innovation in their own contexts

Involves interactions with practitioners and industry experts

Reviews summary

Critical exploration of cycling futures

Learners say this course offers a thought-provoking and critical exploration of cycling futures, moving beyond simple solutions. Many highlight its strength in providing a unique conceptual approach, particularly appreciating the focus on social equity and accessibility in urban mobility. The instructors' passion and knowledge are also frequently praised. However, a notable division emerges: while some find its academic and theoretical depth ideal for policy research and conceptual understanding, others, especially those seeking immediate application in urban planning, felt it lacked practical tools and concrete case studies. The course is rooted in Dutch research, though it aims to engage with broader global contexts.

Explores cycling futures with a strong Dutch research foundation.

"I appreciated the Dutch context and how it was broadened to global perspectives."

"I felt the course's focus on the Netherlands was informative, but it did a decent job of trying to generalize."

"The connection between the Smart Cycling Futures project and broader global applications wasn't always clear to me."

Provides valuable insights into the social context and accessibility of cycling.

"I found Week 5 on 'Cycling Futures for All?' particularly thought-provoking, as the instructors provided a fresh perspective focusing on social aspects."

"I found the discussions on social equity and accessibility in Week 5 particularly valuable."

"This course provided a valuable complement to more technical transport courses, especially its focus on accessibility."

Offers a thought-provoking, critical, and unique perspective on cycling futures.

"This course exceeded my expectations! The content was incredibly thought-provoking and well-structured, especially Week 5 on 'Cycling Futures for All?'"

"I found it fantastic because it challenged my assumptions about urban cycling and truly made me think critically about how different innovations shape mobility."

"I believe it's a brilliant course, offering a truly unique and critical perspective on cycling as part of future mobility."

Explores theoretical concepts, but some learners seek more practical applications.

"I was hoping for more practical information on urban planning for cycling, but this course was very academic and theoretical."

"I felt it was good if you wanted a high-level academic overview, but perhaps not for practical application."

"This course is very much theory-driven. While the concepts were thought-provoking, I struggled to see how they would translate into tangible actions."

"It felt more like a sociology or philosophy course than something for city planners."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Being Smart about Cycling Futures with these activities:

Attend a webinar on cycling infrastructure

Show steps

Provides insights into best practices and emerging trends in cycling infrastructure.

Show steps

Search for upcoming webinars on cycling infrastructure from reputable organizations.
Select a webinar that aligns with your interests and schedule.
Attend the webinar and take notes on key takeaways.

Engage in discussions on the course forum

Show steps

Fosters critical thinking and deepens understanding through peer interaction.

Show steps

Read through the discussion prompts and contribute your thoughts.
Respond to the posts of your peers, offering feedback and alternative perspectives.
Ask clarifying questions to enhance your comprehension of the course material.

Volunteer at a local cycling organization

Show steps

Provides practical experience, connects students with the cycling community, and fosters civic engagement.

Show steps

Identify local cycling organizations that offer volunteer opportunities.
Contact the organizations and inquire about available volunteer positions.
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule and carry out assigned tasks.

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Being Smart about Cycling Futures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cycling Advocate

Cycling Advocates promote the benefits of cycling and work to improve cycling conditions. This course provides a thorough understanding of the social and environmental impacts of cycling, which is essential for effective advocacy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cycling Advocate

Bike Infrastructure Consultant

Bike Infrastructure Consultants provide expertise on the design and implementation of cycling infrastructure. This course explores various approaches to cycling infrastructure, including bike highways and smart solutions, which will be highly valuable for Bike Infrastructure Consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bike Infrastructure Consultant

Bicycle Manufacturer

Bicycle Manufacturers are responsible for designing, developing, and producing bicycles. This course offers insights into the latest cycling innovations, which can inform the design and manufacturing of cutting-edge bicycles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Bicycle Manufacturer

Cycling Instructor

Cycling Instructors teach people how to ride bicycles. This course provides a thorough understanding of cycling techniques and safety, which is essential for Cycling Instructors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cycling Instructor

Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners develop plans and policies for transportation systems. This course offers insights into the integration of cycling into transportation planning, which is essential for Transportation Planners.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Mobility Analyst

Mobility Analysts study mobility patterns and develop strategies to improve mobility systems. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of cycling's role in mobility, which is crucial for Mobility Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mobility Analyst

Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers design and manage transportation systems, including bike infrastructure, public transit, and roadways. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of cycling in mobility systems, which will be crucial for Transportation Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Engineer

Urban Planner

Urban Planners develop strategies to improve the physical environment of communities, including bike lanes, public transportation, and green spaces. This course's exploration of cycling and sustainability will provide valuable insights for Urban Planners as they plan for the future of cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Urban Designer

Urban Designers shape the physical environment of cities. This course explores the role of cycling in urban design, providing Urban Designers with insights into creating cycling-friendly cities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Designer

Urban Geographer

Urban Geographers study the physical and human characteristics of cities. This course explores the role of cycling in urban environments, providing valuable insights for Urban Geographers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Geographer

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers work to protect the environment. This course's examination of the environmental benefits of cycling can be valuable for Environmental Engineers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Social Impact Consultant

Social Impact Consultants advise organizations on how to create social change. This course explores the social impacts of cycling, providing insights for Social Impact Consultants working in the cycling sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Impact Consultant

Product Manager

Product Managers are responsible for the development and management of products, including cycling products. This course's focus on cycling innovations can provide valuable insights for Product Managers in the cycling industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Public Health Official

Public Health Officials promote and protect the health of communities. This course explores the health benefits of cycling, which can be valuable for Public Health Officials working to improve community health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Official

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants provide expertise on sustainability issues to businesses and organizations. This course's examination of the environmental benefits of cycling can be valuable for Sustainability Consultants promoting cycling.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant