In order to achieve climate goals in the mobility sector, we need substantial changes in widespread mobility practices. Due to a long period of car-oriented urban design, the shift to environmentally friendly modes of transport is not without obstacles, especially in suburban and rural areas. Reallocating public space to cycling, walking, or public transport therefore is a key component of the mobility transition. However, this reallocation is a controversial issue that can spark political conflicts, conflicts between urban and suburban populations, or conflicts between different modes of transport. The dissertation project analyses what makes this topic such a conflictual one. For this purpose, the project investigates the perception of traffic policy measures and how group processes and associated normative beliefs influence the evaluation and support of these measures.
Research questions
- What factors lead to the support of transport policy measures that reallocate public space to environmentally friendly modes of transport?
- How do shared norms regarding mobility behaviour and transport policy emerge in different social contexts?
- How is the reallocation of public space discussed and implemented in suburban and rural areas?
Methods
The project addresses these questions through surveys in the Hanover region and experimental study designs.
