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George Liu,
Marco te Brömmelstroet,
and
Meredith Glaser
Obscured by its apparent simplicity, cycling is a complex phenomenon. Being an almost perfect human-machine hybrid, cycling is deeply rooted in a plethora of socio-technological systems. Around the world cycling is embraced as an important ingredient to tackle a wide variety of individual and societal challenges. The Netherlands is often seen as an ideal living lab, because cycling has retained its significant share of mobility throughout the country. At the same time, there are large differences in developments across time and space, that allows for a better understanding of potential causal relations. This is also increasingly recognized by (inter)national top tier researchers from many different academic fields. They are uncovering reciprocal relations of cycling with spatial, ecological, historical, social, cultural, economic, biological and political structures. Unraveling the Cycling City bundles the state-of-the-art knowledge that emerges from research and practice on the Dutch cycling system. As such, it provides an easily accessible platform to learn about important causes and effects, to open minds for the complexity of the entire system and to support group deliberations around the world.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/m4efyl/unraveling
What's inside
Syllabus
Week 1: A Historical Perspective
Obscured by its apparent simplicity, cycling is a complex phenomenon. Being an almost perfect human-machine hybrid, cycling is deeply rooted in a plethora of socio-technological systems. Around the world cycling is embraced as an important ingredient to tackle a wide variety of individual and societal challenges. The Netherlands is often seen as an ideal living lab, because cycling has retained its significant share of mobility throughout the country. At the same time, there are large differences in developments across time and space, that allows for a better understanding of potential causal relations. This is also increasingly recognized by (inter)national top tier researchers from many different academic fields. They are uncovering reciprocal relations of cycling with spatial, ecological, historical, social, cultural, economic, biological and political structures. Unraveling the Cycling City bundles the state-of-the-art knowledge that emerges from research and practice on the Dutch cycling system. As such, it provides an easily accessible platform to learn about important causes and effects, to open minds for the complexity of the entire system and to support group deliberations around the world.
Read more
Syllabus
Week 1: A Historical Perspective
Obscured by its apparent simplicity, cycling is a complex phenomenon. Being an almost perfect human-machine hybrid, cycling is deeply rooted in a plethora of socio-technological systems. Around the world cycling is embraced as an important ingredient to tackle a wide variety of individual and societal challenges. The Netherlands is often seen as an ideal living lab, because cycling has retained its significant share of mobility throughout the country. At the same time, there are large differences in developments across time and space, that allows for a better understanding of potential causal relations. This is also increasingly recognized by (inter)national top tier researchers from many different academic fields. They are uncovering reciprocal relations of cycling with spatial, ecological, historical, social, cultural, economic, biological and political structures. Unraveling the Cycling City bundles the state-of-the-art knowledge that emerges from research and practice on the Dutch cycling system. As such, it provides an easily accessible platform to learn about important causes and effects, to open minds for the complexity of the entire system and to support group deliberations around the world.
Read more
Week 2: The urban environment
A four-part module alternating between academic articles and popular content examining the relationship between cycling and the environment on a macro scale.
Week 3: The street within a network
A four-part module alternating between academic articles and popular content examining the relationship between cycling and the environment on a meso scale.
Week 4: The co-evolution of design and behavior
A four-part module alternating between academic articles and popular content examining the relationship between cycling and the environment on a micro scale.
Week 5: Final assignment
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by George Liu, Marco te Brömmelstroet, Meredith Glaser, who are recognized for their work in this course's subject
Develops knowledge of cycling and its relationship to various socio-technological systems across time and space
Examines the relationship between cycling and the environment, focusing on the local, meso, and micro scales
Offers insights into the co-evolution of cycling design and behavior, highlighting reciprocal relationships
Explores the Dutch cycling system as a living lab, providing examples of successful cycling infrastructure and policies
Requires students to read academic articles and popular content, providing a balanced perspective on the subject
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Save Unraveling the Cycling City to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
Cycling city course with intriguing perspectives
Learners say that cycling city development is exceptionally covered in this wide-ranging course from the University of Amsterdam. At first glance, it might appear to be just about the Dutch cycling culture, but it dives into urban planning, history, and social and cultural aspects of cycling. The course offers an engaging mix of readings, seminars, and interviews with cycling experts. It challenges assumptions and encourages learners to think critically about the interplay of various factors that shape a cycling city. If you're passionate about cycling, urban planning, or creating sustainable cities, this introductory course will provide foundational knowledge and inspire you to learn more.
Sparks Passion for Cycling Advocacy
"This course has opened my eyes to so many different aspects of cycling culture that I had never considered."
"It has really inspired me to take action and try to fight for a cycling culture in my city."
"The course enabled me to deepen my understanding of the cycling practice in a lot of different aspects."
Encourages Critical Thinking
"It challenges assumptions and encourages learners to think critically about the interplay of various factors that shape a cycling city."
Knowledgeable and Passionate
"The course is taught by experts on the subject, who transmit their knowledge and passion for urban cycling in a clear and enjoyable way."
Examines Cycling from Various Angles
"A multidisciplinary and multiscalar perspective on cycling that opened up my thinking about creating contexts for cycling as an active travel professional."
"It addresses topics such as history, culture, health, creativity, interaction and social justice related to urban cycling."
Well-Researched and Comprehensive
"Exceptional insights. An introductory course which looks far beyond the basic facts and opens a whole field of urban planning and desing."
"Excellent course. I learned a huge amount about design and infrastructure as well as having preconceptions about cycling challenged."
"This course went far beyond my expectations. It is not a simple course for technical / practical notions about making a city more bike-friendly."
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 Unraveling the Cycling City with these
activities:
Organize course materials
Show steps
Organize your notes, assignments, and other course materials to prepare for the course.
Show steps
-
Gather all course materials.
-
Create a system for organizing the materials.
-
Review the materials regularly.
Read 'The Art of Cycling' by Peter Zheutlin
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of cycling culture and history by reading this classic book.
View
Spin: A Novel Based on a (Mostly) True Story
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Purchase or borrow the book.
-
Read the book.
-
Take notes or highlight important passages.
Follow free courses on Coursera
Show steps
Get a better understanding of the course topics by exploring related free courses on Coursera.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
-
Find relevant courses on Coursera.
-
Enroll in and complete the courses.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Volunteer at a cycling organization
Show steps
Contribute to the cycling community by volunteering at a local organization.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
-
Find a cycling organization to volunteer for.
-
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
-
Complete the necessary volunteer training.
-
Volunteer at the organization.
Join a cycling club or group
Show steps
Connect with a group of fellow cycling enthusiasts to learn and socialize.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
-
Find a cycling club or group in your area.
-
Attend a meeting or event organized by the club or group.
-
Join the club or group.
Create a blog post about cycling
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of cycling by writing a blog post on the topic.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
-
Choose a topic for your blog post.
-
Research the topic.
-
Write and edit your blog post.
-
Publish your blog post.
Participate in a cycling event
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting by participating in a cycling event.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
-
Find a cycling event that you are interested in.
-
Train for the event.
-
Participate in the event.
Create a video about cycling
Show steps
Combine your passion for cycling with videography to share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
-
Choose a topic for your video.
-
Write a script for your video.
-
Film and edit your video.
-
Publish your video on YouTube or Vimeo.
Organize course materials
Show steps
Organize your notes, assignments, and other course materials to prepare for the course.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather all course materials.
- Create a system for organizing the materials.
- Review the materials regularly.
Read 'The Art of Cycling' by Peter Zheutlin
Show steps
Gain a deeper understanding of cycling culture and history by reading this classic book.
View
Spin: A Novel Based on a (Mostly) True Story
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Purchase or borrow the book.
- Read the book.
- Take notes or highlight important passages.
Follow free courses on Coursera
Show steps
Get a better understanding of the course topics by exploring related free courses on Coursera.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find relevant courses on Coursera.
- Enroll in and complete the courses.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Volunteer at a cycling organization
Show steps
Contribute to the cycling community by volunteering at a local organization.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a cycling organization to volunteer for.
- Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
- Complete the necessary volunteer training.
- Volunteer at the organization.
Join a cycling club or group
Show steps
Connect with a group of fellow cycling enthusiasts to learn and socialize.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a cycling club or group in your area.
- Attend a meeting or event organized by the club or group.
- Join the club or group.
Create a blog post about cycling
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding of cycling by writing a blog post on the topic.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic for your blog post.
- Research the topic.
- Write and edit your blog post.
- Publish your blog post.
Participate in a cycling event
Show steps
Apply your knowledge and skills in a practical setting by participating in a cycling event.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a cycling event that you are interested in.
- Train for the event.
- Participate in the event.
Create a video about cycling
Show steps
Combine your passion for cycling with videography to share your knowledge with others.
Browse courses on
Cycling
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic for your video.
- Write a script for your video.
- Film and edit your video.
- Publish your video on YouTube or Vimeo.
Career center
Learners who complete Unraveling the Cycling City will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban Planners help cities and towns improve by creating plans for how land is used. They may also work on projects to improve transportation, housing, and other aspects of a community's infrastructure. Unraveling the Cycling City can be a great asset to an Urban Planner because it provides a deep dive into the relationship between cycling and the urban environment. This course will give Planners a better understanding of how to create cities that are more bike-friendly. This can lead to a number of benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and a healthier population.
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planner
Transportation Planners develop and implement plans to improve transportation systems. They may work on projects to improve public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and promote walking and biking. Unraveling the Cycling City can be helpful for a Transportation Planner who is interested in promoting cycling as a mode of transportation. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, as well as the benefits of cycling.
Urban Designer
Urban Designer
Urban Designers create plans for the development of cities and towns. They may work on projects to improve the built environment, promote sustainability, and create more livable communities. Unraveling the Cycling City can be helpful for an Urban Designer who is interested in creating more bike-friendly cities. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, as well as the benefits of cycling.
Transportation Engineer
Transportation Engineer
Transportation Engineers design, build, and maintain transportation systems, including roads, bridges, and public transportation systems. They also work on projects to improve traffic flow and safety. Unraveling the Cycling City can be helpful for Transportation Engineers by providing them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior. This knowledge can be used to design and build more bike-friendly transportation systems. In turn, this can lead to a number of benefits, including reduced traffic congestion, improved air quality, and a healthier population.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers develop and implement plans to reduce the environmental impact of organizations. They may work on projects to reduce energy consumption, waste production, and greenhouse gas emissions. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for a Sustainability Manager who is interested in promoting cycling as a way to reduce the environmental impact of an organization. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the environmental benefits of cycling, as well as the factors that affect cycling behavior.
Public Health Planner
Public Health Planner
Public Health Planners work to improve the health of communities. They may develop plans to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and other healthy behaviors. Unraveling the Cycling City can be helpful for a Public Health Planner who is interested in promoting cycling as a way to improve public health. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the health benefits of cycling, as well as the factors that affect cycling behavior.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts study and analyze public policies. They may work on projects to evaluate the effectiveness of policies, and to develop new policies. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for a Policy Analyst who is interested in studying cycling policies. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, as well as the benefits of cycling. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective cycling policies.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activity. They may work on projects to protect and improve the environment, and to promote sustainable development. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for an Environmental Scientist who is interested in studying the environmental impacts of cycling. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, as well as the environmental benefits of cycling.
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planner
Environmental Planners work to protect and improve the environment. They may develop plans to reduce pollution, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development. Unraveling the Cycling City can be helpful for Environmental Planners by providing them with a better understanding of the relationship between cycling and the environment. This knowledge can be used to develop more effective plans to promote cycling and reduce its environmental impact.
Geographer
Geographer
Geographers study the Earth's surface and its human and natural environments. They may work on projects to map and analyze the Earth's features, and to study the interactions between humans and the environment. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for a Geographer who is interested in studying the relationship between cycling and the environment. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, as well as the environmental benefits of cycling.
Sociologist
Sociologist
Sociologists study human society and its interactions. They may work on projects to understand the causes and consequences of social problems, and to develop solutions to these problems. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for a Sociologist who is interested in studying the social impacts of cycling. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, as well as the social benefits of cycling.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects design and build outdoor spaces, such as parks, gardens, and playgrounds. They also work on projects to improve the environment and promote sustainability. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for a Landscape Architect who is interested in designing and building more bike-friendly outdoor spaces. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, which can be used to create more effective and safe designs.
Economist
Economist
Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They may work on projects to analyze economic data, and to develop economic policies. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for an Economist who is interested in studying the economic impacts of cycling. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, as well as the economic benefits of cycling.
Architect
Architect
Architects design and build buildings and other structures. They also work on projects to improve the environment and promote sustainability. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for an Architect who is interested in designing and building more bike-friendly structures. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, which can be used to create more effective and safe designs.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain the physical infrastructure of our world, including roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They also work on projects to improve public health and safety. Unraveling the Cycling City may be useful for a Civil Engineer who is interested in designing and building more bike-friendly infrastructure. This course can provide them with a better understanding of the factors that affect cycling behavior, which can be used to create more effective and safe infrastructure.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m4efyl/unraveling
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Unraveling the Cycling City.
Comprehensive guide to the science of cycling, covering topics such as bicycle design, aerodynamics, and human physiology. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the science behind cycling.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the design of bicycles, from the early days of the penny-farthing to the latest carbon fiber racing bikes. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the technical and aesthetic aspects of bicycle design.
Provides a comprehensive history of the bicycle, from its origins to its modern-day incarnations. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the technical development of the bicycle.
Comprehensive guide to training for cycling. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their cycling performance, from beginners to experienced racers.
Comprehensive guide to road racing. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the sport of road racing, from choosing the right bike to riding safely and effectively.
Save
Provides a comprehensive history of the bicycle, from its early origins to its modern-day use. It valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of cycling.
Comprehensive guide to road biking. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the sport of road biking, from choosing the right bike to riding safely and effectively.
Save
Collection of essays on the art of cycling. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the culture and history of cycling.
Provides guidance on the planning of bicycle facilities. It valuable resource for anyone involved in the planning of cycling infrastructure.
Provides guidance on the design of bicycles. It valuable resource for anyone involved in the design of bicycles.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cycling, covering topics such as bicycle maintenance, training, and racing. It valuable resource for anyone interested in cycling.
Save
Provides guidance on using cycling for fitness. It valuable resource for people who are interested in using cycling to improve their fitness.
Provides a comprehensive guide to road cycling. It valuable resource for anyone who is interested in road cycling.
Save
Provides guidance on cycling for women. It valuable resource for women who are interested in cycling.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/m4efyl/unraveling
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 3-6 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Amsterdam
Instructors
George Liu
Marco te Brömmelstroet
Meredith Glaser
Language
English
Transcripts
Español
Français
Português
Deutsch
Italiano
中文
العربية
한국어
日本語
हिंदी
Nederlands
Svenska
Pусский
Türkçe
Polski
Ελληνικά
українська мова
Bahasa Indonesia
ไทย
қазақша
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Human Mobility in Future Cities. It's comprised of three courses:
- Alternative Mobility Narratives
- Unraveling the Cycling City (viewing)
- Being Smart about Cycling Futures
Good to know
Taught by George Liu, Marco te Brömmelstroet, Meredith Glaser, who are recognized for their work in this course's subject
Develops knowledge of cycling and its relationship to various socio-technological systems across time and space
Examines the relationship between cycling and the environment, focusing on the local, meso, and micro scales
Offers insights into the co-evolution of cycling design and behavior, highlighting reciprocal relationships
Explores the Dutch cycling system as a living lab, providing examples of successful cycling infrastructure and policies
Requires students to read academic articles and popular content, providing a balanced perspective on the subject
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