Designing and Evaluating Urban Green Corridors for Sustainable Mobility

Thesis Abstract

Urban areas worldwide face escalating challenges related to traffic congestion, air pollution, and limited accessibility, necessitating innovative approaches to promote sustainable mobility. This study critically examines the design and evaluation of urban green corridors as a strategic intervention to enhance sustainable mobility, integrating environmental, social, and urban form considerations within a comprehensive planning framework. The primary aim is to develop guidelines for the effective integration of green corridors into existing urban fabric to facilitate active transportation modes such as walking and cycling, thereby reducing reliance on motorized transport and mitigating environmental impacts. Specific objectives include analyzing current urban green corridor networks, evaluating their accessibility and usage patterns, and assessing their contributions to sustainable mobility goals through stakeholder perceptions and spatial analysis. Adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a holistic understanding of green corridor effectiveness. The population comprises urban residents, urban planners, and transportation authorities within the metropolitan area of 2 million inhabitants. A stratified random sampling technique selected 400 residents for surveys assessing behavioral patterns, perceptions, and preferences, while 30 key informant interviews were conducted with policymakers and urban designers. Spatial data on existing green corridors were collected through GIS mapping, complemented by field observations to evaluate physical attributes and connectivity. Data collection instruments included structured questionnaires, semi-structured interview guides, and spatial analysis tools. Quantitative data from surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to identify the relationship between green corridor features and usage behavior, with SPSS facilitating this process. Qualitative data from interviews were subjected to thematic analysis using NVivo to uncover stakeholder perceptions, attitudes, and barriers. To evaluate the environmental benefits, air quality data were monitored across sampled corridors over six months, employing time-series analysis to assess changes attributable to green corridor implementation. The network analysis incorporated in GIS to examine connectivity and accessibility, aligning with the theoretical framework guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Landscape Connectivity Model. Expected findings include evidence of positive correlations between corridor design attributes—such as width, safety features, and connectivity—and active transportation usage. It is anticipated that stakeholder perceptions will highlight key facilitators and barriers to green corridor adoption, with spatial analysis revealing gaps in coverage and accessibility. Environmental monitoring is expected to demonstrate improvements in air quality along corridors with high pedestrian and cyclist activity, supporting their role in sustainable urban mobility. This research makes a significant contribution to urban planning and sustainable transportation literature by providing an empirically grounded, context-specific set of guidelines for designing and evaluating urban green corridors. It advances understanding of the multidimensional benefits of green corridors, integrating behavioral, spatial, and environmental perspectives within an eco-urban planning paradigm. The findings will inform policymakers, urban designers, and community stakeholders on best practices for enhancing green corridor networks to promote active mobility and urban sustainability. The study concludes with recommendations for optimizing corridor design, policies for mainstreaming green infrastructure in urban development plans, and strategies for engaging local communities. It emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach that combines spatial planning, environmental science, and social engagement to realize the full potential of green corridors in fostering sustainable mobility. Suggestions for future research include longitudinal impact assessments and the integration of emerging technologies such as real-time spatial monitoring and participatory GIS platforms.