Effects of investing in walking as a mode of transport

The overall aim of the project is to promote walking by demonstrating the effects, positive environmental benefits in terms of reduced CO2 emissions and other quantifiable aspects, if there is a shift from motorized modes of passenger transport to walking. This should be done to meet the objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport system. The project is a feasibility study and is financed by the Swedish Transport Administration. The work is done in collaboration with SWECO.

The overall question for the feasibility study is:

What kind of measures are needed to achieve a shift from motorized to pedestrian transport? Specific climate-related questions are: What are the right measures to achieve positive climate effects, i.e. what are the most appropriate climate measures to reduce CO2 emissions in relation to investments in walking? What measures are needed to have the desired effect? Where are the greatest gains to be made in reducing CO2 emissions? Other issues related to mode choice will also be studied:

• Conflict with other vulnerable road users, bicycles and mopeds, which may influence mode choice. It is most beneficial to use walking in urban areas where we have the greatest space constraints. The conflict with other types of vulnerable road users causes accessibility problems.
• Well-planned and generous footpaths, geometry of footpaths to meet accessibility requirements, priorities at traffic signals, safety, operation and maintenance.
• Soft incentives to choose walking as a mode of transport, information campaigns.