Kızılay Boulevard stands out as a street where commercial and residential areas intersect, characterized by heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic. However, our field research reveals that transportation preferences in this area significantly increase carbon emissions.
For the research, we conducted on-site counts of seven different modes of transportation—buses, minibuses, cars, motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians—at various times throughout the week. Our findings indicate that the high rate of car usage in particular increases traffic congestion and drives carbon emissions to peak levels. Traffic and emissions are highest during weekday work and school hours.
Annual calculations show that cars account for approximately 87% of the carbon emissions on Kızılay Boulevard.
Traffic Density and Carbon Emissions
According to the data, private cars are the most frequently used transportation mode on Kızılay Boulevard. Compared to public transportation, cars have a much lower passenger capacity but occupy the most space per square meter. Their high usage significantly contributes to traffic congestion and environmental pollution. Annual calculations show that cars account for approximately 87% of the carbon emissions on Kızılay Boulevard. In contrast, public transportation and active modes of transport (walking, cycling, scooters) produce much lower emissions but are underutilized due to lack of comfort and inadequate infrastructure.
Street Design Problems and Sustainable Strategies
The current road layout on Kızılay Boulevard includes two main traffic lanes and two lanes occupied by parked vehicles, totaling four lanes. Despite the space allocated to vehicles and parking, there are no dedicated lanes for bicycles or scooters. Additionally, sidewalks vary in width and hinder comfortable pedestrian movement. Irregularly placed trees, utility poles, and illegally parked vehicles on the sidewalks further reduce walkability and pose safety risks.
As researchers, we propose several recommendations to reduce emissions and make the street more livable:
- Encouraging public transportation: Increasing the frequency and regularity of bus and minibus services can reduce the reliance on private vehicles.
- Creating bicycle and scooter lanes: Dedicated bike lanes can promote active transportation and significantly lower carbon emissions.
- Widening and improving sidewalks: Enhancing pedestrian space can encourage walking and increase foot traffic.
- Reducing parking spaces: Eliminating curbside parking can free up space for green areas and sustainable transportation alternatives.
The Future of Kızılay Boulevard
This research highlights the necessity of transitioning not only Kızılay Boulevard but also many other streets and boulevards in Istanbul to a more sustainable transportation model. Local governments should revise transportation planning to reduce vehicle traffic and support environmentally friendly, sustainable models. Otherwise, issues such as traffic congestion and carbon emissions will continue to negatively impact urban quality of life.
This research highlights the necessity of transitioning not only Kızılay Boulevard but also many other streets and boulevards in Istanbul to a more sustainable transportation model.
