@unpublished{theses_frw4309,
            year = {2023},
           title = {Reclaiming Car Space in City Centers},
          author = {Rens Waagmeester},
        abstract = {This research aims to examine the processes of reclamation of space from cars as part of the mobility 
transition and to answer the research question ?What are the barriers and accelerators for the 
processes of returning car space to public space in city centers??. In addition to a literature review, a 
comparative case study was conducted, involving interviews, analyzing the restoration of the canal 
ring in Utrecht and the proposed reopening of the southern and western canals in Amersfoort. These 
case studies provide insight into the processes and challenges of canal reopening projects. The 
Utrecht case illustrates the successful restoration of canals once drained to accommodate car-centric 
development. The process involved citizen initiatives, strategic lobbying, and a focus on the positive 
economic and environmental impacts of canal reopening. In contrast, the Amersfoort case is still in 
the early stages of implementation, with a citizens' initiative driving the vision of transforming the 
city's ring road into a park and prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists. The research identifies the need 
for a balance between mobility and livability as a key spatial factor, highlighting the need to reduce or 
redirect traffic flows to other modes of transport to ensure the success of car space reclamation 
projects. Other important factors include citizen engagement, political support, specific urban 
planning visions, and the consideration of environmental and climate benefits. The findings highlight 
planning for climate resistance, public-private partnerships, and comprehensive visions for urban 
development that prioritize sustainable mobility and livable cities as important accelerators. A lack of 
these factors would be a barrier.},
             url = {https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/4309/}
}