Rethinking Car-Oriented Transport Planning Systems
Authors
Kumah, Millicent Elorm ; Agyeiwaa-Osei, Judith
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2026
Submitted on
2026-06-01
Abstract
This thesis explores how principles of sustainable mobility can transform car-oriented urban transport planning, using Copenhagen as an inspiration for developing cities such as Accra. It applies a theoretical framework that combines socio-technical systems theory with Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans to examine the historical, infrastructural, governance, and socio-cultural factors that shape mobility transitions in both cities. The analysis shows that Copenhagen’s success is based on long-term, integrated planning, stable political commitment, and a strong bicycle culture. In contrast, Accra faces fragmented governance, informal transport systems, and infrastructure gaps that reinforce car dependence and road-focused planning. The thesis discusses how lessons from Copenhagen – such as better integration between different transport modes (multimodal integration), stronger coordination between institutions, and active involvement of citizens and other stakeholders – can support a context-specific transition towards sustainable urban transport in Accra. It argues that instead of copying Copenhagen’s model directly, it is crucial to recognise the distinct socio-technical reality of Accra’s transport system in order to design solutions that work in the local context. The thesis concludes that moving towards sustainable mobility requires a holistic approach that addresses local dynamics and systemic barriers, rather than simply replicating existing models.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan principper for bæredygtig mobilitet kan ændre bilorienteret bytransportplanlægning, med udgangspunkt i erfaringer fra København og anvendelse på en udviklingsby som Accra. Med en teoretisk ramme, der kombinerer socioteknisk systemteori og Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (bæredygtige bymobilitetsplaner), analyseres de historiske, infrastrukturelle, styringsmæssige og sociokulturelle forhold, der påvirker mobilitetsomstillingen i begge byer. Analysen viser, at Københavns succes bygger på langsigtet, integreret planlægning, vedvarende politisk opbakning og en stærk cykelkultur. Accra står derimod over for udfordringer som fragmenteret styring, uformelle transportsystemer og mangelfuld infrastruktur, som fastholder afhængigheden af bilen og vejbaseret planlægning. Specialet diskuterer, hvordan overførbare erfaringer fra København – som bedre samspil mellem flere transportformer (multimodal integration), koordinering mellem institutioner og aktiv inddragelse af borgere og andre aktører – kan bruges til at støtte en lokalt tilpasset omstilling mod bæredygtig bytransport i Accra. Det argumenteres for, at man ikke bør kopiere Københavns model direkte, men i stedet tage højde for de særlige sociotekniske forhold, der præger Accras transportsystem, for at udvikle løsninger, der virker i den lokale hverdag. Specialet konkluderer, at omstillingen til bæredygtig mobilitet kræver en helhedsorienteret tilgang, der håndterer både lokale dynamikker og strukturelle barrierer, fremfor blot at gentage eksisterende modeller.
[This abstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
Keywords