Quality of Life in the City of Trikala (Greece): Attitudes and Opinions of Residents on Green Spaces and Cycling Paths

Garyfallos Arabatzis, Chrysovalantis Malesios, Georgios Kolkos (), Apostolos Kantartzis and Panagiotis Lemonakis
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Garyfallos Arabatzis: Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, School of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 193 Pantazidou St., 68200 Orestiada, Greece
Georgios Kolkos: Department of Forestry & Natural Environment, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
Apostolos Kantartzis: Department of Forestry and Management of the Environment and Natural Resources, School of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, 193 Pantazidou St., 68200 Orestiada, Greece
Panagiotis Lemonakis: School of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: Over recent decades, intense urbanization, city expansion, and unregulated construction have led to a scarcity of green spaces and environmental degradation. Green spaces significantly enhance residents’ quality of life by supporting mental and physical health, improving environmental conditions, and benefiting the local microclimate. However, adding green spaces alone is insufficient for modern cities. Increasing population mobility and demand for sustainable transportation modes highlight the role of bicycles and safe bike lane networks in urban development. This study focuses on the perspectives of Trikala’s citizens regarding the contributions of green spaces to their quality of life and cycling habits, and to the effectiveness of current cycling infrastructure. Using a structured questionnaire, data were analyzed with SPSS through descriptive and multivariate analysis. The results demonstrate a strong public acknowledgment of green spaces and bicycles as essential components for sustainable urban planning. Nevertheless, challenges with bike lane safety and network continuity were evident. This study concludes that enhancing both green spaces and cycling infrastructure is crucial for fostering a more environmentally friendly and healthy urban environment. Policy recommendations include improving bike lane safety and expanding green space access, creating a foundation for sustainable, resilient urban living.

Keywords: cities; green infrastructure; spatial planning; transport; factor analysis; questionnaires; bicycles (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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