| dc.description.abstract | This thesis aims to provide insight into the development strategies and guidance for Nordic cities looking to implement Shared Micro-mobility (SMM) planning, drawing from the experience and knowledge gained from the Helsinki region, Finland.
To address questions regarding the factors influencing the adoption of SMM, the evaluation of SMM demand, and how to promote SMM planning, two method- ologies were employed: data-driven demand estimation and public engagement. Through an extensive literature review, this study identifies potential influential indicators of SMM, categorized as quantifiable and unquantifiable. Utilizing quantifiable data from the Finnish government’s open database, a stepwise regression method was employed to identify the most prominent variables affecting demand estimation. Additionally, the kriging interpolation method was used to generate a smooth SMM demand surface for areas with existing SMM services based on City Bike data. The Ordinary Linear Square regression model was then applied to estimate SMM demand across all research areas, regardless of SMM service availability. Finally, three interviewees from areas without SMM services were invited to validate the findings and provide their perspectives on SMM development.
The findings of this study encompass several sections. Firstly, it reveals several influential indicators that require attention, including precipitation, temperature, humidity, road connectivity, land use, education level, income level, and age structure. The analysis indicates that precipitation, humidity level, land use complex- ity, and population with vocational education exhibit a negative association with SMM demand, while temperature, road connectivity, population with high income, population with higher education, and population aged between 18 to 29 show a positive association with SMM demand. Secondly, four areas within the Helsinki region are identified as having high potential for further SMM development. This planning suggestion is supported by the interviewees residing in those areas.
The thesis concludes by emphasizing the importance of integrating data-driven methods and public engagement in the planning process. While data-driven ap- proaches facilitate a more effective understanding of city demand, incorporating public opinions and feedback is crucial for creating human-centered planning that considers the needs of all citizens, irrespective of wealth, gender, or other factors. Although the research findings are based on the analysis of the Helsinki area, the methodologies recommended can be applied to all Nordic cities when planning their SMM services. | |