While cycling is enjoying a renaissance in most Western cities, a decline is being observed among children and teenagers. In Switzerland, there are three main trends: (1) a decline in cycling over the last few decades, for both recreational (leisure and sport) and utilitarian reasons; (2) a decline during youth; and (3) strong regional disparities, with more people cycling in German-speaking Switzerland than in French-speaking or Italian-speaking Switzerland. These trends raise both environmental and public health issues, at an age when mobility practices are becoming established for years to come.

This doctoral thesis therefore looks at the different cycling trajectories of young people aged between 12 and 20. In particular, it seeks to identify the factors that explain these trajectories (abandonment, resumption, continuation, etc.), whether they are specific to the individual (skills, access, appropriation), social (socio-familial influences) or territorial (topography, safety, infrastructure, standards and rules).

Due to its topography, size and context, the town of Yverdon-les-Bains was selected to carry out this study. The data is based on a quantitative survey (N=1,350) and individual biographical interviews with around forty pupils and ten parents.

This thesis is part of the project Le vélo chez les jeunes I, OFROU.

Publications:

• Schmassmann, A., Baehler, D., & Rérat, P. (2024). The contrasted evolution of cycling during youth. Determinants of bicycle ownership and use. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15568318.2023.2223139