Targeted Public Participation in Sustainable Mobility Planning: A Case Study of Aalborg, Denmark

Abstract

Public participation is widely regarded as essential for the success of sustainable mobility projects and for building political support. However, a case study on the planning and implementation of a high-volume cycling motorway in Aalborg, Denmark, reveals that targeted rather than broad public participation is often applied. This raises issues of transparency, efficiency, democratic legitimacy, and fairness. Based on analysis of planning documents at multiple governance levels and interviews with Aalborg’s planning staff, the study shows that local planners hold a more nuanced understanding of public participation than commonly assumed in academic and policy debates. Findings suggest that targeted approaches may shape the effectiveness and acceptance of sustainable mobility measures.