Residents Want Big Cities to Be Less Car-Dominated

Residents of big cities want their streets to be less dominated by cars. That’s according to a poll by Survation for the Car Free Megacities campaign, reported in Cycling Industry News.

The cities where residents were polled are New York, Paris and London.

Fewer Cars

Support for fewer cars in cities was:

• 72% in New York
• 66% in Paris and
• 72% in London

More Space for Active Travel

Support for giving more space to walking and cycling was:

• 71% in New York
• 70% in Paris and
• 68% in London

Car-Free Cities

Support for cities going completely car-free was:

• 49% in New York
• 45% in Paris and
• 51% in London

Respondents were told that there would be exemptions for car clubs and Blue Badge holders.

Reasons for the Responses

Cycling Industry News says that addressing air pollution, reducing carbon emissions and preventing dangerous driving were among the top reasons cited by respondents for reducing car-dominance.

81% of Londoners said they wanted action on climate change.

Car Ownership

Most people in these cities don’t own cars:

• 65% of New Yorkers
• 70% of Parisians and
• 66% of Londoners

A majority of respondents said that if public transport were free, they would use it to replace most or all of the trips for which they currently use a car.

Quote from Car Free Megacities

Cathy Lamri of Paris Sans Voiture 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 build resilient cities that will be able to adapt to climate challenges – the need and the desire for traffic reduction are universal.’

cathy lamri, paris sans voiture