Exploring bikeability: conceptual development, approaches, and a critical review of cycling research in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

Cycling in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) remains underdeveloped, reflecting decades of automobile-oriented planning that have shaped how bikeable the region’s urban streets and environments are today. This paper first aims to clarify the concept of bikeability and explore the methodological approaches used in its assessment, with particular emphasis on European research. Second, it uses a bibliometric keyword analysis to examine whether thematic elements common in broader European bikeability literature appear in CEE cycling studies, followed by a critical review of relevant regional research. The findings highlight the marginal position of CEE countries within the European bikeability discourse and reveal a limited conceptualization and a lack of multidimensional approaches. Finally, the paper proposes a future research agenda for advancing bikeability assessment in the CEE context, which aims to address existing gaps and support evidence-based sustainable mobility planning. It argues that existing European frameworks could serve as a valuable starting point for evaluating cycling conditions in CEE cities, provided that the local context, data availability, and the needs of different user groups are considered.