How does the spatial context shape conditions for car dependency? An analysis of the differences between and within regions in the Netherlands

Abstract

Adapting cities and region to facilitate car use is not only a technical issue. It has made society heavily car-dependent, increasing the vulnerability of society to adverse changes in social, economic, environmental, or other spheres. This paper analyzes how the spatial context shapes conditions for car dependency, specifically focusing on the case of the Netherlands. Our research shows that, except in the periphery of the country, most daily amenities are within walking or biking distance, both in cities as well as in suburban and rural areas. However, regarding accessibility to jobs, there is no competitive alternative to the car-even in central city areas, which provide many more travel choices. The differences are not only related to population density or land use within the city, as is often thought, but also to the position of the urban area in the regional spatial context (i.e., its location relative to other urban areas). The bicycle as an alternative transport mode to the car scores highest in monocentric urban regions and in the central areas of cities close to a coastline or a national border. Public transport scores highest in central areas of medium-sized cities in polycentric regions and satellite towns near big cities.

Spatial characteristics of bicycle–motor vehicle crashes in Christchurch, New Zealand: A case-control approach

“…With regards to urban form, Wiersma, Bertolini & Straatemeier (2016) identify that bicycle use is highest in cities with distinct urban boundaries, while the opposite is also true with low levels of bicycle use being associated with areas of urban sprawl (Ewing, Meakins, Hamidi, & Nelson, 2014). On a neighborhood scale, the completion of bicycle infrastructure at the same time as mixed use developments can be associated with a higher cycling modal share than in surrounding areas (Bertolini & le Clercq, 2003).…”

The role of data in sustainability assessment of urban mobility policies

“…One common limitation showed in these cases is that the resolution of statistical data is relatively low, which may cause information loss for the assessments. Wiersma et al (2016), for instance, note that limitations in the statistical data available prevented them from taking social factors well into consideration in their study.…”

Spatial conditions for car dependency in mid-sized European city regions

“…However, these studies stop short of identifying the underlying spatial determinants of CD. Wiersma et al (2016) took a first attempt in this direction, comparing travel choices to daily destinations in different urban and suburban areas in the Netherlands, and exploring the potential for utilizing alternative transport modes as determined by the spatial characteristics of these areas. Confronting these results with actual travel behaviour also led to the conclusion that although the use of alternative modes, especially the bicycle, is currently relatively high in Dutch cities, there is still substantial room for improvement (in cities as well as suburbs), especially due to the potential of the e-bicycle (Wiersma 2020).…”

“…First notable attempts focused on the Netherlands (Wiersma et al 2016(Wiersma et al , 2017Wiersma 2020), and the paper expands this research at the European level, by focusing on mid-sized urban and suburban areas in different European countries. The expanded scope is valuable for several reasons.…”