Promoting Sustainable Mobility in Urban Areas – the Role of Residential Parking A Multiple Case Study of 13 Homeowner Associations in Gothenburg, Mölndal and Partille

Abstract

A well-functioning transportation infrastructure that meets individual and societal mobility needs without relying on private cars is a critical component of the effort to create sustainable development in urban areas. Research shows that the availability of residential parking affects trip frequency, car ownership, mode preference and can potentially minimize private car use. In this setting, it is important for property owners to be considerate of factors that may affect residential car parking demand as well as resident’s willingness to use more sustainable modes of transportation. Therefore, this thesis aims to examine the role of residential parking in the work to promote sustainable mobility in urban areas. To realize the aim, an analysis of the current parking situation at 13 homeowner associations in Gothenburg, Mölndal and Partille were conducted and combined with existing research on the topic. Various factors that are thought to influence residents' car and bicycle parking demand were examined. We conclude that the resident’s mobility condition affects their parking demand. The results indicate that high parking requirements, absence of carsharing, and relatively long travel time to city center by public transportation contributes to a higher residential car parking demand. Car parking located farther away from the residence as well as restricted car parking that only allows residents to rent one parking space per apartment can instead reduce the residential car parking demand. In terms of factors that influence residents' demand for bicycle parking, we observed that the bicycle parking demand increases when the residence is located relatively close to the city center, yet, most bicycle parking spaces are oversized. To contextualize the results, the development of Backaplan was used were the findings from the study were theoretically implemented to generate recommendations on how the area's mobility can promote sustainable development. It is clear that residential parking plays an important role in the work to promote sustainable mobility. In future urban areas, such as Backaplan, residential parking should be located further away than other more sustainable modes of transportation in order to make private car ownership less appealing. As a consequence, public transportation should be closer to a residence than a car parking lot