Towards sustainable cities: the role of linear green infrastructure in encouraging cycling mobility

The European Union’s overreliance on private cars for short urban trips calls for an urgent shift towards more sustainable modes of transport, particularly active mobility. However, although walking is widely adopted across Europe, cycling remains relatively uncommon, accounting for just 8% of short journeys compared to 27% for walking. Promoting cycling while reducing car dependency therefore remains a major policy concern. One potential strategy to encourage cycling may be the implementation of linear green infrastructure (LGI). This involves the integration of continuous natural elements, such as rows of trees, hedges, bushes, or planter boxes, alongside cycle routes. Beyond the well-known environmental benefits of greenery, such as improving air quality and mitigating urban heat, this thesis explores whether incorporating LGI can also effectively encourage people to choose cycling over car use. With this aim, the thesis investigates the role of LGI in influencing cycling behaviour and perceived safety through three studies. Chapter 2 presents an integrative literature review that synthesises existing research to assess whether empirical evidence supports a positive relationship between LGI and bicycle usage. It summarises key findings and methodological approaches, identifies research gaps as well as future directions. Chapter 3 presents an empirical study based on data from a large sample of university students (n = 2,130) in Trieste, a medium-sized city in north-eastern Italy where cycling remains underdeveloped. Using a discrete choice experiment to collect stated-preference data, the study estimates a Hybrid Mixed Logit (HMXL) model that accounts for both observable factors and latent psychological determinants of cycling behaviour. Finally, Chapter 4 investigates whether LGI influences perceived cycling safety using data from a large sample of residents (n = 25,334) in Berlin, Germany. Participants evaluated hypothetical cycling scenarios characterised by various attributes, including LGI, through an online survey, and the data were analysed using an HMXL model. Findings confirm that LGI is a key component of cycling infrastructure, capable of encouraging cycling and enhancing perceived safety – particularly among more vulnerable groups. The evidence emerging from this thesis offers insights for university mobility managers, policymakers, and local administrations, providing practical guidance for designing projects that effectively promote cycling and address the mobility needs of different population groups.