Institutional barriers for promoting active mobility in Northern European cities

Abstract

Transport systems in many cities remain heavily car-centric, resulting in numerous problems. In response, active mobility, such as walking and cycling, has gained increasing attention in planning efforts due to its wide-ranging benefits. Nevertheless, the car continues to dominate as the primary mode of transport in many cities, contributing to persistent issues. Despite growing efforts to promote active mobility, several barriers remain. Political reluctance, fragmented planning processes, limited organizational resources, and stake-holder dynamics often hinder the prioritization of active mobility over motorized transport. Moreover, the challenges of resource limitations and opposition to reallocating public space from car infrastructure to active mobility further complicate these efforts. These challenges are exacerbated by institutional structures, governance fragmentation, and climatic conditions, creating significant obstacles to the successful implementation of active mobility strategies.

This thesis examines the institutional barriers hindering the promotion of active mobility in four cities: Kalundborg, Lahti, Umeå, and Hamburg-Altona. These cities, historically designed for car use, have long-standing car dependency and face additional challenges due to their high-altitude locations, where harsh winter conditions create further obstacles. Despite this, they have started recognizing the environmental and personal wellbeing benefits of active mobility. Each of these cities has been involved or was previously involved, in the BATS project, which aims to prioritize active mobility in urban and transportation planning. The study employs semi-structured interviews, a survey, and a workshop to identify the current barriers to advancing active mobility initiatives.

The findings suggest that although active mobility is receiving more attention from planners and politicians, significant institutional barriers persist. Four key factors – political, organizational, resource-related, and stakeholder – were identified as the primary obstacles to active mobility development. Political support plays a critical role in the development of active mobility and often determines whether active mobility initiatives can be implemented. Most interviewees acknowledged a shortage of resources as a major challenge in advancing active mobility projects. Organizational and stakeholder barriers also play a significant role, particularly during the implementation phase.