Abstract Studies on cities in Europe and the United States have demonstrated that travel behaviour is influenced by urban form. Based on these findings policies steering the shape of cities have been proposed to reduce urban transport emissions and limit congestion. Such policies can also be relevant for the rapidly growing and motorising Chinese cities. Yet, empirical evidence on the relationships between urban form and car usage is scarce for the specific Chinese context that is characterised by high densities, fast development and strong government steering. Using novel crowd-sourced datasets we study the impact of several urban form variables (city size, urban density, land-use mix, polycentricity and spatial clustering) on the cost of commuting expressed in time and distance. The results show that city size and spatial clustering are important determinants of commuting: large cities without clear clusters of businesses and other facilities have longer average commuting times and distances. Increased prosperity also adds to longer and lengthier commutes. Spatial planning measures that maintain or reinforce high-density clusters can help limiting commuting distance and time. Current sprawled urban development may have long-term, negative consequences for the accessibility and liveability of Chinese cities and could hamper their economic potential.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    The impact of urban form on commuting in large Chinese cities


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2017




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English



    Classification :

    BKL:    55.80 Verkehrswesen, Transportwesen: Allgemeines / 74.75 Verkehrsplanung, Verkehrspolitik
    Local classification TIB:    535/7000



    The impact of urban form on commuting in large Chinese cities

    Engelfriet, Lara / Koomen, Eric | Springer Verlag | 2018

    Free access

    The impact of urban form on commuting in large Chinese cities

    Engelfriet, Lara / Koomen, Eric | Online Contents | 2017

    Free access

    Modeling the Commuting Travel Activities within Historic Districts in Chinese Cities

    Mao Ye / Miao Yu / Zhibin Li et al. | DOAJ | 2014

    Free access

    Urban form and commuting: a comparison of seven French urban areas

    Aguilera, A. / Mignot, D. / Association for European Transport | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003