Car dependence and the concept of lazy : understanding the impact of pedestrianisation on car dependency reduction in a European island

Abstract

Across the globe, the shift towards cleaner, active modes of transport has been recognised as a crucial step in improving the quality of life of people. This transition in urban communities is essential to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address health risks from sedentary lifestyles. The study examines the reliance on cars for short, walkable trips, focusing on Malta, a car-dependent small island state. Through the application of the Perceived Exertion Theory (PET) and Lazy User Theory (LUT), the research investigates how time, money, and perceived physical and mental effort can influence travel choices. A mixed-method approach provided insights into travel behaviours and the potential for street interventions to encourage active travel. The quantitative analyses primarily included multiple linear regression, mediation models and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. The study’s findings reveal a significant relationship between perceived effort and car use for short trips, with mental effort and time identified as critical determinants. While respondents exhibited significant correlations between walking frequency, car use frequency, and distance thresholds, the mediating role of perceived exertion was only evident in the case of walking frequency. Notably, habitual car users in Malta were not affected by the perceived exertion associated with walking. However, walking frequency partially mediated the relationship between perceived exertion and distance thresholds, suggesting that individuals who walk more frequently are less averse to physical effort. On average, participants in the study reported a walking distance threshold of 1.3 km or approximately 16.93 minutes. These results align with the concept of "x-minute cities", which advocate for urban planning that enables access to daily needs and activities within 15–20 minutes of walking or cycling. This study highlights the complexity of transport mode choices, shaped by physical, psychological, and environmental factors. The qualitative data collection through stakeholder interviews, workshops and a virtual urban living lab were key to exploring the community’s response to pedestrian interventions and urban transformations. These approaches examined the barriers and facilitators to promoting active transport, with a digital platform serving as a participatory tool for gathering community feedback. The participants expressed a strong desire to engage in the planning process and contribute to shaping their urban environment. By incorporating community perspectives throughout the urban mobility interventions and experiments, their active participation can help address resistance to change and foster a sense of ownership in the community. The study emphasizes the need for multi-dimensional strategies to promote active travel in car-centric settings, such as enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, creating engaging public spaces, and offering reliable mobility alternatives. Using Malta as a case study, it highlights the unique travel dynamics of small, car-dependent island states and provides insights into sustainable mobility. By addressing barriers and leveraging motivations for short-distance active travel, the research offers policymakers guidance to reshape urban mobility to improve quality of life.