Cycling Is Not the Same for Everyone: Gender Inequality in the Cycling Mobility of PUCP Students

The bicycle has become a key mode of transport for promoting sustainable urban mobility in Lima. However, various studies show that its use is not gender-neutral. Men and women experience urban mobility differently. This study analyzes university cycling from a gender perspective.

The research examines students who use a bicycle as a means of transportation for their trips to and from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP), located in the district of San Miguel, Lima. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach consisting of two stages. In the first stage, structured surveys were administered to student cyclists to investigate gender differences in cycling behavior. The instrument collected data on frequency, schedules, routes, and perceptions of safety. In the second stage, photographic records were made of the bike lanes most frequently used by students, and maps were produced to analyze the information obtained.

The results show clear differences in mobility patterns by gender. Women report lower nighttime use and a higher perception of risk. Men report greater circulation on shared roads. Female students prioritize routes with segregated infrastructure. The analysis confirms that cycling does not operate as a neutral practice but is shaped by gender inequalities. This study provides evidence for more inclusive urban mobility planning.