Changes in commuting behaviours in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK
Harrington, Deirdre M. and Hadjiconstantinou, Michelle (2022) Changes in commuting behaviours in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Journal of Transport & Health, 24. 101313. ISSN 2214-1405 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2021.101313)
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Abstract
Background: The UK Government restrictions on non-essential work in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced millions of working aged-adults into an unplanned lifestyle change. We present data on changes in commuting behaviour in response to COVID-19 and describe the facilitators and barriers to switching commuting behaviours, with a specific focus on cycling and walking. Methods: An online survey queried individuals’ transport mode to/from work before and when becoming aware of COVID-19, when restrictions were in place and the transport mode they may use once restrictions are lifted. Free-form text responses were collected on why they may switch to a sustainable commute mode in the future and what would help/allow them to achieve this. Quantitative and qualitative data on those who commuted by car (single occupant) and public transport (bus/rail/park & ride) were analysed and presented separately. Results: Overall, 725 car and public transport commuters responded; 72.4% were car commuters and 27.6% were public transport commuters before COVID-19. Of the car commuters, 81.9% may continue travelling by car once restrictions are lifted while 3.6% and 6.5% might change to walking and cycling, respectively. Of the public transport commuters, 49.0% might switch modes. From the free-form text responses three themes were identified: (a) perceived behavioural control towards cycling and walking (infrastructure and safety of roads, distance, weather) (b) key motivators to encourage a switch to cycling and walking (provision to support cycling, personal and environmental benefits); (c) the demands of current lifestyle (job requirements, family and lifestyle commitments). Conclusion: These UK data show how the COVID-19 pandemic has been an “external shock” causing some individuals to reassess their commuting mode. This provides an opportunity for theory-based behaviour change interventions tackling motivations, barriers and beliefs towards changing commute mode.
ORCID iDs
Harrington, Deirdre M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0278-6812 and Hadjiconstantinou, Michelle;-
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Item type: Article ID code: 80118 Dates: DateEvent31 March 2022Published28 December 2021Published Online3 December 2021AcceptedSubjects: Medicine > Public aspects of medicine > Personal health and hygiene, including exercise, nutrition Department: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) > Psychological Sciences and Health > Physical Activity for Health Depositing user: Pure Administrator Date deposited: 07 Apr 2022 09:37 Last modified: 11 Nov 2024 13:27 URI: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/80118