A NATAL THAT PEDALS:
Actors and agencies in dispute
Keywords: cyclomobility, Natal/RN, National Urban Mobility Policy.
ABSTRACT
This paper analyzes the conditions of cyclomobility in the municipality of Natal/RN. Urban commuting by bicycle has recently given rise to a series of debates and discussions in the academic field, in many different areas. At first, we sought to understand how the dynamics of cycling in Natal occur - especially with regard to the implementation of cycling infrastructure and its progress or setbacks. To do this, we based ourselves on the National Urban Mobility Policy (BRASIL, 2012), a law that provides guidelines for urban mobility in Brazilian municipalities. Through research that is both quantitative and qualitative, we will conduct semi-structured interviews with social actors who travel by bicycle in the city. Methodologically, we will also use a series of tools, including a literature review and document analysis. We will analyze the data obtained in order to ascertain the attention given to those who practice cyclomobility in the city of Natal. This research, then, proposes to broaden the field of study on the use of bicycles in cities, since urban centers experience chronic problems related to urban planning and urban mobility has been pointed out as a fundamental element in this regard (Jacobs, 2011), (Rodrigues, 2016). With the emergence of new urban spaces, not just for motor vehicles, but for and in support of city dwellers (Gehl, 2013), (Trói, 2018), (Tampieri, 2020), (Harkot, 2018), the bicycle appears to be an element that points to a change in perspective. In addition, we analyze how political engagement in favor of cyclomobility has gains in terms of public policies, in this sense our approach is structured from the notion of the multitude (Hardt and Negri, 2005). We also discuss a category called bicicleteiro and why this typology is important in terms of public policy. Finally, we look at what the Perfil do Ciclista 2024 survey, which covered Natal and in which we were voluntary participants, tells us about bicycle mobility in the municipality, as well as looking at other indicators to see where the city is in the context of national active mobility.