An exploration of publicly supported vision on non-motorized transport- a case study of Jaffna city, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Non-motorized transport is important for sustainable living. The features of sustainable transport are comfortable, safe, and effective in relation to economic and energy use and minimize environmental pollution. With transforming urbanization trend along with socio-economic development, a transport need in the urban area of Jaffna is growing promptly. A sustainable transport system should meet people's accessibility and mobility requirements by providing safe and environmentally friendly forms of transportation. Non-motorized transportation meets these aims of sustainability as it utilizes indigenously offered human and animal energy, which is safe, affordable, non-polluting and user-friendly and needs only a slight fraction of the wealth essential for motorized transport. Looking into the current day walking and cycling status, the transportation systems in Jaffna have shown a deprived image because of traffic congestion, accidents, lack of access to public transport and carbon emissions to the atmosphere of space, contributing to environmental pollution and imbalance in terms of quality of life in general mobility. This research was carried out in the city of Jaffna's municipality area. Focusing on research methodology, research was done based on adopting mixed methodology with the combination of qualitative and quantitative methodology. Data such as the growth of the population of Jaffna city, the road lengths, and the land usage distributions were collected and analyzed. In addition to that, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used to obtain public perception of the usage of non-motorized transportation. This research aims to propose sustainable transport in terms of non-motor vehicles for Jaffna city, which implies a better city for future generations. It presents choices to transform the choice of transport modes to street users of motor vehicles to non-motor vehicles through the integration of nonmotorized transport with prevailing public transport. The results revealed that the use of sustainable non-motorized transport in Jaffna may uplift environmental responsiveness. However, it is not easy to implement due to the congestion of central business districts and the recent economic crises. Jaffna people stated that Jaffna city needs to focus on designing networks in local areas and emphasize connecting with prevailing road networks to improve non-motorized quality. Enhancing pedestrian trails and cycling areas would help to increase non-motorized travel and reduce motor vehicle travel. The use of non-motorized transportation such as walking and cycling is not only to reduce carbon footprint and minimize environmental impacts but also to encourage healthy life.