Pedestrianisation as a Step in a Societal Transformation? An Analysis of Support and Opposition in Brussels

A significant shift in public opinion towards pedestrianisation has occurred in Brussels, with a majority now supporting the initiative and its expansion. This transformation challenges car dominance, revealing deep societal changes. The study, conducted through pre- and post-implementation surveys involving residents, employees, and passers-by, identified that habitual car use remains a strong predictor of opposition. Support was notably higher among those living near pedestrianised areas, underscoring the spatial dimensions of urban mobility preferences. These findings highlight pedestrianisation as a potential catalyst for broader societal change away from automobility.

te Boveldt, G., De Wilde, L., Keseru, I., & Macharis, C. (2023). Pedestrianisation as a step in a societal transformation? An analysis of support and opposition in Brussels. Cities, 143, 104577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2023.104577