Perceptual-motor processes in cycling: A scoping review

Abstract

Cycling is increasingly recognized as a sustainable and efficient mode of transport, demanding a high level of perceptual-motor coordination for safety and performance. Despite extensive research on biomechanics and physiological capacities in cycling, perceptual-motor dynamics – a critical factor in effective bike control and adaptability – remain underexplored. This scoping review synthesizes experimental evidence on the perceptual-motor skills required for cycling, organizing findings around individual, task, and environmental constraints. Searches were conducted in Web of Science. A total of 4566 articles were screened and 30 articles met the inclusion criteria. Of the 30 articles included, 56 experiments were conducted: 28 involved manipulating the environment, 16 involved manipulating the task and 12 involved manipulating individual constraints. While the current body of literature remains too limited to draw firm conclusions on the effects of specific, isolated constraints on perceptual-motor skills in cycling, it consistently shows that adaptive behaviour emerges from the continuous interplay between individual, task, and environmental constraints. This review points out the lack of research on the coupling between perception and action. Specifically, we argue that the dynamics of perception and action is particularly suited to understand cycling behaviour and how it could better inform educational programmes, bike design and urban infrastructure.