Cars remain the dominant mode of transport, as they increase accessibility, offer status and comfort. However, the increasing use of private cars also causes issues such as congestion, emissions and excessive land use. As climate goals must be met and space is needed for increasing demand for housing, different strategies are implemented. One of these strategies is the implementation of car-free neighborhoods. In these neighborhoods, urban quality of life is prioritized by encouraging walking, cycling, and the use of sustainable mobility options while repurposing public space for green areas, housing and amenities instead of cars.
This study addresses a gap in the existing literature, as limited research has been done yet on neighborhood preferences of potential residents for a yet to develop car-free neighborhood in a suburban area. In addition, this study addresses the knowledge gap about the influence of socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes and current travel behavior on the neighborhood preferences. Unlike most existing studies, which focus on individuals already living in car-free areas, this study seizes the opportunity to examine whether people are willing to adapt their behavior by reducing car dependency after relocating to a car-free neighborhood. Gaining insights into the preferences of potential residents is essential for the municipality to make informed decisions about the design of the neighborhood and the use of available space. Additionally, it provides valuable information on the demand for transportation alternatives, which can help optimize the local transportation network based on residents’ needs.
Author: Charlotte van Rijsoort
Publication date: 2025