Shaping business satisfaction with pedestrianisation: evidence from Madrid (Spain)

Pedestrianisation has become a key strategy for promoting sustainable mobility in cities. However, it often faces opposition from local businesses, which can limit its adoption. This study examines business satisfaction with large-scale pedestrianisation to better understand business needs and inform future policy. Mixed-format semi-structured interviews were conducted in two areas of Madrid (Spain), shortly after large-scale pedestrianisation was introduced (2023) and again once it was well established (2025), with more than 50 businesses participating in each round. A mixed-methods analytical framework combined descriptive and correlational analysis of structured responses with thematic analysis of qualitative data. This approach addresses gaps in the literature, which has largely focused on small-scale interventions, relied exclusively on either quantitative or qualitative methods, and captured business perspectives at a single point in time. The findings reveal high levels of satisfaction even immediately after implementation, with more positive evaluations over time, suggesting a shift in business attitudes towards car restrictions. Business characteristics such as years in operation, size, or turnover were not significant predictors of satisfaction. Instead, perceived increases in sales, footfall, and street quality were positively associated with satisfaction, while challenges related to goods distribution remained a key concern. Effective communication and attention to business needs during planning emerged as critical for supporting smoother transitions. By combining quantitative and qualitative evidence over time, this study not only identifies the factors driving business satisfaction but also uncovers the reasons behind them, providing actionable insights to guide future pedestrianisation policies.