Public policies and sustainable mobility in Spain: empirical analysis of household expenditure on bicycles

Abstract

[Abstract]: This study investigates the socioeconomic determinants of household expenditure on sports bicycles in Spain, providing novel insights into the affordability and equity dimensions of sustainable mobility policies. Whilst cycling promotion has emerged as a central pillar of urban and environmental strategies, the economic factors influencing household-level bicycle adoption remain under-researched, particularly within Southern European contexts. Employing nationally representative microdata and a two-part modelling approach, this analysis explores how income, household characteristics and regional variations shape cycling-related expenditure patterns. The findings demonstrate that bicycle expenditure has become progressively concentrated among higher-income households, suggesting an evolution towards cycling being perceived as a discretionary purchase rather than an accessible transport solution. Persistent disparities are observed across age groups, family structures and geographical regions, highlighting unequal access to the benefits of cycling. This research challenges prevailing assumptions regarding the inherent affordability of cycling and proposes targeted policy interventions to mitigate financial and structural barriers. By connecting macro-level sustainability objectives with micro-level consumption behaviour, this study contributes a conceptual framework for developing inclusive mobility policies that balance environmental ambitions with social equity considerations. The analysis offers timely evidence for policymakers seeking to align Spain's cycling strategy with principles of distributive justice and broader sustainable development goals.