Introduction

In the introductory chapter we explain the rationale of the book and its thematic organisation, as well as posing the key questions for understanding cycling societies. The chapter argues for the need of expanding cycling research geographies and provides a brief overview of cycling research within urban transportation studies. The chapter then examines the relationship of cycling and urban transformations, specifically in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic and how this could be a turning point for further development of cycling in the cities. We conclude with delineating further research directions and suggesting key strategies for the future studies of cycling in connection to new resulting inequalities, urban transformations, micromobilities and disruptions.