Understanding support for cycling infrastructure through Moral Foundations Theory

Abstract

Cycling improves public health, is more space efficient than cars, and has very limited emissions. For these reasons, many cities are implementing cycling infrastructure to support people of all ages and abilities to benefit from this mode of transport. However, cities often face opposition, or “bikelash”. Since people's decisions and opinions on policies are often shaped by their morals, this study explores how morals, political beliefs, and personal characteristics influence support for cycling as a mode of transport. Using Moral Foundations Theory, which identifies six key morals that guide people's opinions: care (concern for others' well-being), fairness (justice and equality), loyalty (commitment to one’s group), authority (respect for leadership and tradition), purity (emphasis on cleanliness and self-discipline), and liberty (personal freedom and opposition to government intervention). An online survey of 1,606 residents in the Montréal Metropolitan Area assessed these morals using the 30-item Moral Foundations Questionnaire (MFQ-30) and additional questions to assess the liberty moral, alongside political beliefs, transport behaviours, and support for cycling. Linear regression analysis found that right-leaning individuals showed lower support for cycling, with liberty (opposition to government intervention) and authority negatively associated with cycling endorsement. Loyalty, typically linked to conservative morals, was positively correlated with support, while purity, care, and fairness showed no relationship. Car ownership was associated with reduced support, whereas environmentally conscious individuals and those interested in bikeshare programs showed increased support. The findings highlight the role of morals and political identity in shaping attitudes, offering insights for policymakers seeking to address opposition and broaden public support for health promoting infrastructure.

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