An unexpected polarization: Individual-level factors behind the public acceptance of the superblocks of Barcelona

Abstract

Traffic calming and pedestrianization schemes are increasingly considered a solution for cities to improve air quality and foster wellbeing of the local population. Given that public opposition is considered one of the main obstacles to the introduction of this type of interventions, this paper investigates public acceptance and attitudes towards a specific urban intervention to reduce air pollution: the superblocks. Based on a survey (N=581) and focus groups (N=16) with residents in Barcelona, Spain, we analyse on the beliefs and emotions, as well as the socio-demographic characteristics of supporters and opponents to the superblocks. The results showed a significant polarization in the acceptance of the superblocks. Relative to opponents to the superblocks, supporters were younger, more likely to be female, more likely to live near a superblock, not own a car and position themselves on the left side of the ideological scale. Policy-specific beliefs, emotions, perceived process legitimacy and institutional trust were strongly associated to acceptance of the superblocks. These findings constitute a first step to the study of the social dynamics that underlie acceptance and opposition to the superblocks.