The production of new mobilities: A theoretical framework to the politics of mobility transitions

While powered two-wheelers are increasingly common in European cities, Vietnamese cities are limiting motorbike use to leave room for automobiles. This chapter advances the production of new mobilities as a theoretical framework to approach the politics of mobility transitions, defined as shifts from one dominant system of mobility to another. After developing this framework, this chapter presents the results of its operationalization in an in-depth case study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Mixed methods were used to analyze the politics of the ongoing shift away from motorbike dependence. The production of new mobilities revealed a wide range of emerging socio-spatial inequalities, through what is described as a redistribution of productive frictions in the city. Finally, the production of new mobilities and the related notion of productive frictions can help researchers of various disciplinary backgrounds integrate efforts at promoting equitable mobility transitions.