The Influence of Attitudes towards Cycling and Walking on Travel Intentions and Actual Behavior

Jesús García, Rosa Arroyo, Lidón Mars and Tomás Ruiz
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Jesús García: Transport Department, School of Civil Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 València, Spain
Rosa Arroyo: Transport Department, School of Civil Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 València, Spain
Lidón Mars: Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Valencia, 46010 València, Spain
Tomás Ruiz: Transport Department, School of Civil Engineering, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 València, Spain

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 9, 1-17

Abstract: The design and implementation of effective transport policies to reduce car use in urban areas requires a deep comprehension of the factors that influence travel behavior. In this context, psychological factors play an important role in explaining travel-related decisions. The purpose of this paper is to present a study on the effects of cognitive, affective and behavioral attitudes towards the use of walking and cycling on both intentions and real use of cars, public transport, bicycles, and walking. The data used was obtained from an on-line survey carried out in 2017. Analyses included reliability and validity of the questionnaire, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and structural equation models. Results indicate that cycling and walking are evaluated differently in terms of feelings of freedom, pleasure, and relaxation. Positive evaluation of elements related to past walking behavior are negatively associated to both the intention to walk and actual walking. Transport policies to encourage cycling should be different from those with the aim of promoting walking. Positive attitudes towards walking are not enough to increase real walking.

Keywords: travel behavior; attitudes; structural equation modelling (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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