A multi-modal, multi-activity, multi-scalar analysis for sustainable accessibility planning

• This paper explores the question of accessibility and sustainable mobility by the use of accessibility measures that combine transport mode, settlement type and amenity category. The overarching question is how to better understand the potential for sustainable living through good access to important every-day amenities within short travel times and how this differs across different geographies and modes of travel. The analysis is focused on region Västra Götaland, Sweden and draws on a unique combination of novel open-source data of the transport system and official Swedish register data of the total population of individuals and workplaces geocoded at a 100-meter resolution. The results are presented with a variety of different maps and multidimensional plots and confirm the strengths of the car as provider of good accessibility. However, for short trips of 10 minutes the bicycle provides a very competitive alternative in urban and suburban areas. Access to every-day amenities by slow modes is limited outside the built-up areas. Public transport is not a viable alternative until travel times are reaching 25-30 minutes. Results are discussed with emphasis on how measures relate to the interests of planning practice. For example, the selection of parameters and its problems, limitations and need for further development as well as the potential to develop measures that might respond to planners need for policy support. By way of conclusion, this paper is contributing with an exploration of measurement for comparison of all modes, in a detailed geography of settlement categories together with an in-depth consideration of the destination component of accessibility in terms of different activities/amenities.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Social och ekonomisk geografi -- Kulturgeografi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Social and Economic Geography -- Human Geography (hsv//eng)

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Social och ekonomisk geografi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Social and Economic Geography (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)