Selectıng pedestrianization types for sustainable urban mobility: A case study of Trabzon, Turkey applicatıon

Abstract

Pedestrianization studies are increasingly common, especially in urban centers. Such approaches are generally accepted as people-oriented, sustainable and economically efficient. On the other hand, the large and deep-rooted nature of the intervention may bring with it different problems. It is important to know the effects of clearing private vehicle traffic from the region. The clearing of a region from private vehicle traffic affects many features such as redirected traffic, public transportation routes, parking, spatial interaction, economic interaction, social life and accessibility. Therefore, the effects of the intervention should be measured in all its dimensions with an accurate traffic assignment and prediction, and appropriate scenarios/alternatives should be produced. In this study, an integrated pedestrianization proposal has been developed for the Kahramanmaraş Street Area in the city center of Trabzon. The most suitable alternative has been determined by carrying out a traffic assignment and developing success criteria. The effects of the selected alternative were then examined, and solution strategies were co-developed through a participatory process involving transport-related NGOs, associations representing vulnerable groups, professional chambers, and state institutions familiar with the city’s dynamics (e.g., directorate general for state hydraulic works directorate general for state hydraulic works, highways, municipalities, urban infrastructure units, the governorship, police, and transport departments). The strategies covered traffic redirection, parking access, minibus stop relocations, logistics regulations, and emergency response routes.