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Reasons to Pedestrianise Urban Centres: Impact Analysis on Mobility Habits, Liveability and Economic Activities

Author

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  • Mari Luz Brownrigg-Gleeson

    (Transport Research Centre-TRANSyT, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Andres Monzon

    (Transport Research Centre-TRANSyT, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • Adriana Cortez

    (Higher Polytechnic School, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

Pedestrianisation entails the full removal of motorised vehicles. It promotes walking and active means of transport and has a wide range of benefits in terms of health, the environment, mobility and the economy. However, it often faces widespread opposition. This results in a lack of political will and, to a lesser degree, in temporary pedestrianisations, which can be reverted. We consider that infrastructural change and long-term pedestrianisation are key for long-lasting benefits and more resilient and sustainable cities. To explore and assess this, a survey of pedestrians and semi-structured interviews with businesses were conducted in recently pedestrianised areas of Madrid, a large capital city. Data on satisfaction and changes in mobility, liveability and business were gathered. Over 755 citizens and 38 local businesses answered. The results show high levels of satisfaction (2/3) among citizens, while 1/2 businesses consider it positive for their commercial activity. Car use has fallen, active means of transport have been fostered and perceived attractiveness has increased, although some congestion has been noticed in nearby streets. This and the rest of the evidence presented in this paper can be used to back long-term restrictive policies in other dense and busy cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Mari Luz Brownrigg-Gleeson & Andres Monzon & Adriana Cortez, 2023. "Reasons to Pedestrianise Urban Centres: Impact Analysis on Mobility Habits, Liveability and Economic Activities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-25, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:23:p:16472-:d:1292036
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Javier Tarriño-Ortiz & Julio A. Soria-Lara & Juan Gómez & José Manuel Vassallo, 2021. "Public Acceptability of Low Emission Zones: The Case of “Madrid Central”," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-17, March.
    2. Ayush Parajuli & Dorina Pojani, 2018. "Barriers to the pedestrianization of city centres: perspectives from the Global North and the Global South," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(1), pages 142-160, January.
    3. Cervero, Robert & Radisch, Carolyn, 1996. "Travel choices in pedestrian versus automobile oriented neighborhoods," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 3(3), pages 127-141, July.
    4. Banister, David, 2008. "The sustainable mobility paradigm," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 15(2), pages 73-80, March.
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