Who is more likely to support or oppose pedestrianization projects?

Abstract

One of the approaches to reduce car dependency is implementing car-free projects. Although pedestrianization provides many benefits, there is sometimes public resistance against these projects. Based on a database of 95 variables collected through an online survey with over 1300 respondents, this study aims to detect the supporters and opponents of pedestrianization and investigate the roots of such opinions. A cluster analysis is implemented to detect the supporters and opponents. Then, an interpretable ensemble learning approach is applied to understand people’s position on pedestrianization better. The key differences between supporters and opponents of pedestrianization are attitudes toward the cohabitation of pedestrians and two-wheeler users and the opinion on the impact of pedestrianization on individuals’ mobility and travel patterns. Further, having experience in cycling, a higher frequency of cycling, and a better perception of safety on car-free streets increase the level of satisfaction with the cohabitation of cyclists and pedestrians.