Drivers of Car Ownership in a Car-Oriented City: A Mixed-Method Study

This paper presents a mixed-method analysis of car ownership in Reykjavik, Iceland, location with high motorization level and deeply rooted culture. We utilize qualitative interviews to understand vehicle possession reasons elaborate the study statistical using softGIS survey dataset characteristics respondents their residential location. focus on adults aged 25 40, who are suggested be less car-oriented than older generations. also describe historic development Reykjavik’s culture give perspective for findings. show that even among studied age group, is still seen as social norm, few seeing it possible live without car, public transport system giving poverty stigma. However, we find an increasing share car-free households towards city center. Still, built environment impact limited center, which has higher proportion small adult-only residing shared apartments other areas. Moreover, there seems three-fold connection between having child, acquiring (if not already possessed), choosing suburban Some indications self-selection related were found, but pro-car attitudes independently influenced ownership. helps dominance supports designing policies reduce car-dependency, just Reykjavik elsewhere.