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

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.

Revisiting Urban Street Planning and Design Factors to Promote Walking as a Physical Activity for Middle-Class Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome in Cairo, Egypt

“…The content analysis results confirmed that pedestrianized and walkable urban street patterns should consider planning and design factors that encourage walking from a 'public health' and 'smart growth' perspective. Other studies have also reported its importance for well-being, sustainable development, climate change, tourism [97] and the local economy [39].…”

“…This study examines smart growth, pedestrianization, and walkability concepts, hypothesizing their potential impact on mitigating symptoms associated with MetS. The literature describes various paradigms of creating pedestrian spaces that prioritize safety, comfort, economic feasibility, and aesthetic appeal [39][40][41][42].…”

“…However, car culture still dominates, resulting in a lack of commitment to pedestrians. This is evident in the numerous obstacles faced by the pedestrianization movement, including difficulty in cost recovery, issues with access to delivery vehicles, management of alternative transportation and parking, implementation challenges, lack of institutional and political support, and opposition from residents and drivers, opposition from some local retailers [39].…”

“…However, there are opportunities for pedestrianization in car-free zones in transit-oriented European cities, as highlighted by Murakami et al, which can contribute to local economic development [40]. On the other hand, Gonzalez-Urango et al [82] and Brownrigg-Gleeson et al [39] found that converting areas into pedestrian zones resulted in high citizen satisfaction, was perceived positively by businesspeople for commercial purposes and increased perceived attractiveness.…”

Decoding Near Synonyms in Pedestrianization Research: A Numerical Analysis and Summative Approach

“…Previously, scholars like Sadik-Khan (2001) [30], Gregg (2023) [22], and Brownrigg-Gleeson (2023) [31] have continued to explore the theme of pedestrianization, particularly in transforming urban spaces like Times Square and Broadway in Manhattan into pedestrianfriendly zones. They highlight the benefits of such schemes in improving pedestrian safety and enhancing the overall urban environment.…”