Abstract
In this paper, we investigate what the impact of the COVID-19 crisis was on travel patterns and how it could be a catalyst for the transition toward a more sustainable mobility system. To study this, we use the sustainable mobility framework of the 7A's, namely Awareness, Avoidance, Act and Shift, Anticipation of new technologies, Actor involvement, Acceleration, and Adaptation of behavior. For each of the first 5A's, we analyze the changes in mobility brought along in the different periods of the COVID-19 crisis. Our mixed methods approach includes a thematic analysis of online press articles and an analysis of traffic and passenger volume data in Brussels, Belgium. Our results show that the measures to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus had significant consequences for mobility in Brussels by raising Awareness of the positive impacts reduced traffic can have on livability. The measures decreased travel demand (Avoidance) in general, but especially in the context of commuting and shopping trips which declined in favor of telework and online shopping. The majority of mobility measures that were implemented belong to the Act and shift category and they were especially aimed at promoting active mobility like walking. There was also a positive influence on the Anticipation of new technologies, as internal combustion engine sales dropped and electric vehicle sales increased. However, the data analysis also shows an incremental return to business-as-usual after the 2020 summer holidays. Parts of this can be linked back to a disregard of Actor involvement, resulting in a resistance from stakeholders to several of the measures. We conclude with recommendations based on Acceleration and Adaptation of behavior on how to support a sustainable transition and lasting behavioral change in the post-COVID era.
Highlights
The COVID-19 crisis has triggered unprecedented health protection measures across Europe that limited the movement of people through “(semi-) lockdowns,” i.e., measures that restricted the type, distance, time, and duration of movements for an extended time period
We investigate how the COVID-19 crisis can support the transition to a more sustainable urban mobility system focusing on Brussels, Belgium
We distinguish between six different periods: (1) the preCOVID period, (2) the strict lockdown, starting on March 18, (3) the gradual release starting on May with the return to school, some activities resumed earlier, (4) the summer starting on July 1, (5) the schoolyear starting on September 1, and (6) the second, light lockdown starting on October with a curfew and the closing of bars and restaurants
Summary
The COVID-19 crisis has triggered unprecedented health protection measures across Europe that limited the movement of people through “(semi-) lockdowns,” i.e., measures that restricted the type, distance, time, and duration of movements for an extended time period. Transport supply, i.e., the capacity of public transport, adapted due to new safety standards. What has characterized this pandemic is how it has managed to completely uproot most aspects of society in less than a year. While it has had grave consequences to people’s health, jobs, economic activity, and social networks, some potential positive “side effects” have been recognized with regard to mobility patterns and preferences. It has highlighted a need for better resilience. The coronavirus is a “wild card” event, i.e., a low probability but high impact occurrence that is often overlooked in traditional decision making (Mendonça et al, 2004)
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