Home alley. Mobility choices in urban garden city neighbourhoods

The aim of the research was to explore the residential and mobility choices and preferences of the people living in urban garden city neighbourhoods. Additionally, the research examined the conditions, under which the residents would be willing to change their choices on mobility issues. The study areas were Saeterinmetsae in Espoo, Varisto in Vantaa, and two locations in Helsinki, Western Herttoniemi and Paciuksenkuja alley in Pikku-Huopalahti. A mail survey for 222 households was carried out, and ten of the 75 responding households were interviewed. Generally, the inhabitants were extremely satisfied with their neighbourhood both environmentally and with regard to mobility issues. The inhabitants thought that their living conditions fulfill the expectations as an own, private house. It was considered important be able to design or build one's house, and generally form one's way of life. Location, closeness to nature, safety and familiarity were also important issues when selecting one's place to live. Even a small plot was enough, if there was enough privacy. About one tenth of the respondents did not own a car. About one in four households had two cars, which is about half as many as in Finnish one-family houses in average. Car ownership was mostly considered necessary, but especially in commuting public transport was popular if the level of service was high. About half of the respondents thought they could get along fairly well without a car. Leisure and shopping trips were usually made by car. For parking, most of the residents would accept a simple parking pocket along the street. About one fourth would prefer a car shelter or garage. Large parking lots or garages were not approved. Flexibility in parking was appreciated for example for guests. The answers concerning willingness to change one's behaviour were contradictory. Generally, residents were suspicious, but it was considered that especially a good nearby supermarket would reduce the need to drive essentially. The maximum walking distance to the supermarket would be 500 m. This report may be found at http://www.mintc.fi/oliver/upl175-Julkaisuja_5_2006.pdf