On Mimetic Dimensions in Travel Mobility Choices

In this contribution, we propose extending the application of mimetic theory to previously underexplored domains of travel mobility choices and behaviour, against the backdrop of the European Com mission’s strategic initiatives, particularly the Green Deal, which high lights the need for ‘behavioural transitions’ towards sustainability, and amidst a growing interest in identifying social and psycho-attitudinal factors that influence travel behaviour. The emphasis of the mimetic hypothesis on the relational and interindividual nature of preference formation offers at least two op erational suggestions. One is that the reasons for choice are not only due to affordability, individual perceptions, availability and service lev els, but also to social interactions and conditioning inherent in mimetic processes. The second suggestion is that such preference systems are dynamic, capable of evolving, and potentially sensitive to policies designed to operate through mimetic processes. The paper briefly presents the concepts of mimetic theory and employs them to re-analyse a published case study that describes the after-effects of the Living Street experiment in the Brugse Poort neigh bourhood in Ghent, Belgium. The re-interpretation draws attention to the additional insights brought into focus by the Girardian perspective. The significance of mimetic thinking for travel behaviour and transport planning is then discussed. In conclusion, we suggest how specific in terventions could effectively and durably encourage or discourage the use of sustainable modes of transport and alternatives to private cars. The interface with the mimetic theory allows us to explore the potential implications of strategies developed through these interventions, pav ing the way for the definition of decision-support techniques and tools for sustainable urban mobility policies.