A1 Journal article (refereed)
Prefigurative politics in action research for just cycling futures (2024)

Silonsaari, J.E. (2024). Prefigurative politics in action research for just cycling futures. Urban, Planning and Transport Research, 12(2), Article 2318436. https://doi.org/10.1080/21650020.2024.2318436

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Silonsaari, J.E.

Journal or series: Urban, Planning and Transport Research

eISSN: 2165-0020

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 18/02/2024

Volume: 12

Issue number: 2

Article number: 2318436

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/21650020.2024.2318436

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/93746

Abstract

The paper proposes that action research, not as a predefined set of methods but rather as a mode of research, should be considered a key asset in creating transformative knowledge on just cycling futures. I explain, firstly, why action-oriented, experimental, and participatory research should deploy the concept of prefigurative politics – the performing of not-yet cycling futures here and now – as a theoretical, methodological and practical resource to counter hegemonic, oppressive, essentialist and authoritarian mobility rationalities. Second, I argue why prefigurative action research is most applicable when involving diverse actors across cycling governance networks into a democratic social learning process. These arguments are developed by synthesising literatures from social movement studies and mobility and transport justice, and by providing examples of four social cycling innovations among a population often marginalised from transport policy and planning – children and young people. In conclusion, the paper proposes a model for conducting prefigurative action research on cycling.

Keywords: cycling; traffic policy; future; social justice; action research

Free keywords: prefigurative politics; experiments; social learning; cycling; mobility; action research

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Related projects

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1