The Role of Urban Infrastructure Development in Mobility Planning: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Micromobility Integration

This study explores the impact of urban infrastructure development on mobility planning, with a particular emphasis on innovative public space management strategies that contribute to sustainable urban mobility. Focusing on district-level practices in Budapest, it examines how well-designed public spaces not only enhance mobility but also promote social inclusion, environmental resilience, and the creation of livable urban environments tailored to community needs. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research is based on semi-structured group interviews with municipal stakeholders, including mayors, urban planners, and transportation officials. Thematic content analysis reveals key challenges such as fragmented institutional frameworks, financial constraints, and entrenched car-centric urban cultures. Political priorities often favor private sector interests, limiting the scope for inclusive governance. Furthermore, inadequate institutional coordination and restricted public participation hinder the effective transformation of public spaces. Despite these obstacles, this study identifies functional solutions–such as modular street furniture, green parking areas, and multifunctional transit hubs-that successfully address urban mobility issues. Initiatives like the “Healthy Streets” approach and community-driven urban design demonstrate how integrated planning can foster sustainability and inclusivity. The uniqueness of this research lies in its focus on a region that has received limited scholarly attention in public space management literature. By documenting both challenges and successful interventions, it provides valuable insights for cities facing similar infrastructural and density-related constraints, offering replicable models for urban development.