Urban cycling in Vienna: How has the political discourse about biking changed from 2005 until 2022?

While holding the top spot in the global liveability rating Vienna faces difficulties in achieving its climate targets and enhancing urban mobility. Vienna struggles with a relatively low share of bicycle riding compared to walking and public transportation. This study explores how perceptions have changed between 2005 and 2022 in Vienna's political debate on cycling. The study provides insight into the rejection and acceptance of biking as a means of transportation using a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of documents issued by the city council, including urban development plans, coalition agreements, and council discussions. The findings emphasize opposition from right-leaning political parties but also show a rising appreciation of biking's significance, especially in recent plans and agreements. The study explores the potential effects of overt group divisions and identifies recurring patterns, such as a "us vs. them" dichotomy. Although there has been improvement, the research shows that there is still resistance within the municipal council. In addition to the current emphasis on expanding public transportation, the report contends that ongoing efforts are required to increase the popularity of biking as a mode of transportation. Ultimately, by examining the political discourse and attitudes about riding in Vienna, this study contributes to the on-going transformation of urban mobility.