DRIVERS AND BARRIERS OF WALKING IN A CAR-DEPENDENT CITY.: WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL AND SPATIAL FACTORS?

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SOCIO-CULTURAL AND SPATIAL FACTORS?

Abstract

The increasing reliance on cars worsens problems such as traffic jams, time wasted in transit, challenges in finding parking, and financial burdens. Additionally, urban functions and daily activities are spreading out more, leading to a rise in dependence on cars. Consequently, this diminishes the appeal and flexibility of active mobility and public transportation compared to private vehicles (Mattioli et al., 2020). However, the positive impacts of active mobility on human health and quality of life (Anokye et al., 2012) have encouraged governments to adopt policies that shift from car-dependent transportation to active mobility. To that end, a thorough understanding of the determinants influencing the choice of active modes is a crucial aspect of achieving this transition (Ton et al., 2019).

Previous studies have indicated that to explain mobility behaviour it is insufficient to consider spatial and socio-economic factors individually (Boussauw & Witlox, 2011). This has led to a recent shift of interest towards more sociocultural and psychological aspects, such as the perceptual foundations or the individual's specific spatial and temporal constraints (Fransen et al., 2019). Herewith, recent studies have focused on factors that draw attention to values and beliefs, or attitudes and habits, like reasoned and unreasoned behaviors, the social environment, and environmental psychology.

Against such a backdrop, this study emphasizes the non-technological barriers and drivers towards walkability and combines spatial and socio-cultural features. This is done by analyzing in detail the case of Palermo's historic center, one of Southern Europe’s most well-known cities for highly car-dependent mobility patterns. On the one side, the paper presents hints about the accessibility to public transportation, street quality and distribution of amenities. On the other, it inquires about people’s perceptions based on an online survey. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights regarding the combination of sociocultural and spatial factors to facilitate a meaningful transition toward promoting active mobility.