Any transitions towards more sustainable transport systems requires shifts from car dependency to less carbon-dependent forms of mobilities. In Nordic policy and planning discourse, cycling is often presented as a key component in advancing sustainable and equal transport and to challenge the dominance of the private car. However, even in countries like Sweden, where cycling is considered ‘normal’, cycling remains marginalized vis-à-vis the hegemonic position of the motor car and differences in cycling practices that mirror structural inequalities can be noted. The car norm still prevails, even if negative aspects such as emissions, congestion and risks for public health are increasingly recognized. While cycling is often considered a low-cost and universally accessible mode of transport, and policy pledges are raised to foster social inclusion, in reality, the cycling mobility system does not provide equal access for everyone. Against this background, there is a need to critically consider what a pedal powered mobility future may entail in a Nordic perspective, including some of the ‘frictions’ that needs further scholarly and political attention.  

In this piece, we take such ‘pedal-powered frictions’ as our joint starting point to co-think upon how and in what ways cycling act as a transformer and maintainer of power relations. Our methodology is to use the ongoing ‘multivocal’ and multidisciplinary discussions in a recently formed cycling research network. While cycling research may take many forms, ranging from a focus on optimization of infrastructure and safety to cycling uptake and identity formation, we address cycling primarily from a social and critical perspective.