Purpose - The aim of this thesis is to gain more knowledge about existing car-free projects and the
underlying strategies in order to understand the essential actions in relation to a future development of
a car-free environment in Copenhagen´s Middelalderbyen.

Design/Methodology/Approach - This research has been an explorative case study design. The
case study area is the old historic city centre of Copenhagen, which is termed Middelalderbyen
(Medieval Town). The research is based on qualitative research methods including literature review on
car-free developments in Europe, interviews of current users and observations of the present situation
in Middelalderbyen. In addition to this, the following theories were chosen as tools to analyse and
interpret the findings: the Staging Mobilities framework and the 8 Principles for Transport in Urban
Life.

Findings – The essential actions for developing a car-free environment in Middelalderbyen requires a
combination of push and pull effects. Car-free developments are not just related to one simple action,
but a combination of several that in some ways discourages car use and in another ways encourages
the attractiveness of walking, cycling, public transit and car-sharing services. In addition, the planning
process has to include the surrounding cities as well as Middelalderbyen if the car traffic has to be
reduced and not just pushed even further out. Moreover, to determine the specific solutions for
Middelalderbyen, there is a need for more comprehensive interviews and observations in order to
understand the daily mobility choices of residents, employees and visitors.

Originality/Value – Brief research has been done regarding existing car-free projects and their
approaches to reduce the car traffic. The awareness and improvements of people-oriented transport
modes are important factors in making cities more sustainable and carbon neutral.