Effect of Major Life Events on Travel Behaviours: A Scoping Review

Richard Larouche, Ulises Charles Rodriguez, Ransimala Nayakarathna and David R. Scott
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Richard Larouche: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Ulises Charles Rodriguez: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
Ransimala Nayakarathna: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
David R. Scott: Library, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada

Sustainability, 2020, vol. 12, issue 24, 1-21

Abstract: The transportation sector accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Previous research suggests that major life events may be “windows of opportunity” for travel behaviour change. Our scoping review examined the effects of seven events (transitions to secondary school, post-secondary studies, labour market, marriage, parenthood, retirement, and relocation) on travel behaviours. Five databases were searched (MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, SportDISCUS, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) and 80 articles met inclusion criteria. Relocation was the most commonly examined event (with 51 studies). Findings illustrate that moving to compact neighbourhoods (with shorter commute distance/travel time, greater walkability/access to destinations) was associated with shifts towards sustainable travel modes (e.g., walking, cycling, and transit). Relocation might be particularly conducive to implementing scalable sustainable transportation interventions, as all six interventions with appropriate statistical power were effective. Entry into the labour market was generally associated with increased car use and declines in sustainable transportation. Qualitative studies suggested that attitudes towards cycling may become negative during adolescence, while attitudes towards driving improve, highlighting a need for concerted action. Evidence for other events was less consistent. Research in developing countries remain scarce and further intervention research is needed to enhance quality of evidence.

Keywords: sustainable transport; commuting; transition periods; life-course approach; walking; cycling; driving; physical activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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