Digital Transformation in the Global Cycling Ecosystem: Applications and Expectations

Year 2023, Volume: 7 Issue: 2 - International Journal of Contemporary Tourism Research, 117 - 128, 29.12.2023

Güzide Zeynep Egeli , Gürhan Aktaş

https://doi.org/10.30625/ijctr.1392150

Abstract

As an alternative mode of mobility, cycling plays a significant role in the economic, cultural, and social development of recreational areas. The study investigated the smart city expectations of leisure cyclists who closely follow and utilize technological advancements as a significant leisure activity, and explored potential improvements within this scope. To this aim, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 cyclists in Turkey's three metropolitan cities (Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir) from May 4th to June 23rd, 2023. The interviews took place face-to-face in Izmir and for participants located outside the city via Zoom. Participants described smart cyclists as young, environmentally friendly, social, open to innovation, sporty, tech-savvy, brave, competitive, and time-efficient individuals. Furthermore, the expectations of cyclists from smart cities could be categorized into seven thematic groups: integrated public systems, environmental applications, specialized recommendation systems, applications promoting cycling, information platforms, smart security applications, and smart tourism management. As a result, it was found that smart technologies enrich cycling experiences and generate a multiplier effect in promoting widespread bicycle use by providing digital experiences, being part of the global ecosystem and offering new opportunities.

Keywords

Serious leisure activity, Bicycle, Smart Cities, Smart City Technologies, Smart Cyclists

Küresel Bisiklet Ekosisteminde Dijital Dönüşüm: Uygulamalar ve Beklentiler

Abstract

Alternatif bir hareketlilik biçimi olarak bisiklet, rekreasyon alanlarının ekonomik, kültürel ve sosyal gelişiminde önemli bir rol oynamaktadır. Teknolojik gelişmeleri yakından takip eden ve kullanan ciddi boş zaman aktivitesi olarak bisiklet kullanıcılarının akıllı şehir beklentilerinin ve bu kapsamda yapılabilecek iyileştirmelerin neler olduğu çalışma kapsamında araştırılmıştır. Bu amaçla 4 Mayıs - 23 Haziran 2023 tarihleri arasında Türkiye'nin üç büyük şehrinde (İstanbul, Ankara ve İzmir) bisiklet kullanıcılarıyla 33 derinlemesine yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme gerçekleştirilmiştir. Görüşmeler İzmir'de yüz yüze ve şehir dışında Zoom üzerinden gerçekleştirilmiştir. Katılımcılar akıllı bisikletçilerin temel özelliklerini genç, çevre dostu, eğlenceli, sosyal, yeniliklere açık, sportif, teknolojiye meraklı, cesur, rekabetçi ve zamanı verimli kullanan olarak tanımlamışlardır. Ayrıca bisiklet kullanıcılarının akıllı şehirlerden beklentilerini; entegre kamu sistemleri, çevresel uygulamalar, özel öneri sistemleri, bisiklet kullanımını teşvik eden uygulamalar, bilgi platformları, akıllı güvenlik uygulamaları ve akıllı turizm yönetimi olmak üzere yedi tematik grupta sıralamak mümkündür. Sonuç olarak, akıllı teknolojilerin dijital deneyim elde etme, küresel ekosistemin bir parçası olma, yeni fırsatlar sunma, bisiklet kullanımının yaygınlaşmasında bisiklet deneyimlerini zenginleştirdiği ve çarpan etkisi yarattığı tespit edilmiştir.

Keywords

Ciddi Boş Zaman Aktivitesi, Bisiklet, Akıllı Şehirler, Akıllı Şehir Teknolojileri, Akıllı Bisiklet Kullanıcıları

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