Residents of cities globally share desire for less car dominance

Polling of residents in New York, Paris and London has found majority support for the idea that cities should no longer be car dominated spaces and that transport focal points should better address greater freedoms for pedestrians and cyclists.

Conducted by research group Survation on behalf of the Car Free Megacities campaign, the headline results include the finding that across London, Paris, and New York support for fewer cars being present in cities stood at 72%, 66%, and 72%, respectively.

Alongside that attitude shift, support for giving more space to pedestrians and cyclists on city streets stood at 68%, 70%, and 71% respectively; while support for cities going completely car-free – with exemptions for car-sharing clubs and cars used by disabled people – stood at 51%, 45% and, 49%, respectively.

The primary drivers for the wish to see change amongst citizens hinged on a desire to address air pollution, carbon emissions and dangerous driving. Globally, 21.6% of all emissions come from road transportation, the bulk of which comes from private cars. 81% of Londoners studied suggested they want direct actions to address climate change.

The majority of people involved in the polling across the cities also did not own cars with 66% not owning a car in London, 70% in Paris, and 65% in New York. 61% of people in London, 68% of people in Paris, and 54% of people in London said that if public transport were free, they would use it to replace either most or all of the journeys they currently take by car.

With the data in hand, the Car Free Megacities campaign is now calling on each of the cities’ mayors to be bolder in addressing car dominance. As part of its work it has created visions of pedestrianised visions of heavily car-centric areas in each of their cities (Hyde Park Corner in London, Place de la Concorde in Paris, and Grand Army Plaza in New York).

Cathy Lamri of Paris Sans Voiture, and Project Manager for Car Free Megacities in Paris, said: “This survey shows us, if traffic was radically reduced in London, New York and Paris, that the majority of city dwellers in our three major cities would be thrilled. They want to live in a peaceful city, where their children can move around safely, breathe clean air, and where nature and biodiversity have their place. All these things will help us build resilient cities that will be able to adapt to climate challenges – the need and the desire for traffic reduction are universal!”

The sample sizes from each city polled were:
London: 1,073
Paris: 1,095
New York: 1,085

Also in the UK, the findings above mirror those in the National Travel Attitudes study, undertaken by the Department of Transport. Here 64% support greater cycle lane provision, even if space for car drivers is reduced.