Speaker
Description
Urban street redesign initiatives are increasingly popular as cities aim to foster environmental sustainability and reduce car reliance by promoting active mobility. However, the acceptance of specific transformations often faces challenges due to public concerns, including NIMBYism and loss aversion regarding existing amenities. This study investigates public preferences for urban street redesign through a large-scale stated choice experiment, examining different built environment attributes such as infrastructure, environmental, and social elements. Utilizing a representative sample of Swiss residents (N=5,991), we employ both 2D and 360° visualizations to explore how variations in street design impact three outcomes: overall acceptance of redesign, willingness to live in, and willingness to cycle on redesigned neighborhood and main roads. Findings reveal a strong preference for green space, particularly in enhancing the livability and appeal of neighborhood roads, while main roads benefit more significantly from dedicated cycling infrastructure. Results suggest that presentation format influences perceptions, with 360° visualizations enhancing the social appeal of redesigned streets. This research provides insights into the elements shaping public acceptance of urban transformations and highlights the importance of incorporating greenery and social spaces alongside infrastructure improvements in designs for active mobility.
Keywords | public preferences; active mobility; green space; visualization experiment |
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Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |