The extent of active travel among Liverpool John Moores University students.

Abstract

Background: Active travel has gained significant awareness during the last few years as it has a huge potential to reduce non-communicable diseases and sustain an environmentally friendly city. This quantitative dissertation investigates the patterns and determinants of active commuting behaviour among college students to inform sustainable mobility programmes on campus. Physical activity, greenhouse gas emissions, and congestion are all issues that could be greatly improved by shifting more people to walking, biking, and other non-motorised modes of transportation. However, there is a lack of specialised studies addressing the distinctive mobility patterns and preferences of college students.

Methods: The study covers this informational gap with robust quantitative methodologies based on survey data from a broadly representative sample of notable university students. Convenience sampling was used, and university students aged 18+ completed an online survey. Distance, mode of travel, and active commuting parameters were surveyed. The survey seeks to understand students travel habits, preferences, and decision-making processes, including how often they travel, how far they travel, and why they pick different modes of transportation. Because gender, age, race or ethnicity, and education level may affect active travel, these are also collected. Descriptive statistics were used by measuring frequency, and the chi-square test was also used. This study examined campus accessibility, infrastructure availability, students' sense of safety, time constraints, and cultural norms affecting college students' use of active transportation modes, including walking and biking. The study also examines how walking, biking, and other active transportation modes relate to public and private transportation.

Results: 44% walked or ran to the university, while 15% drove. Nearly 20% of participants lived fewer than two miles from the university campus, and home distance and means of transportation were significantly linked. 57.4% prioritise time-saving and speedier mobility over affordability and environmental impact. 66% of individuals did not own a vehicle, and vehicle ownership was statistically significant for university commuting. 50% of participants used one mode of active travel for at least 10 minutes a day, and 32% were satisfied with walking around Liverpool. The study also indicated that safety concerns and city bicycle assessments are the top reasons participants do not use active transportation daily. Finally, the study found that green spaces and relaxing locations in the city improve active travel and promote sustainable living in the city and on university campuses.

Conclusions: This study suggests that student attitude and behaviour could be altered, and active travel as a form of transportation has many profound public health benefits both for the individual and society. Also, this study sheds light on the factors that prevent people from incorporating this method of commuting into their daily lives and suggests multiple research and recommendations to change the situation. The overarching goal of this study is to inform policy and programme development that promotes active transportation modes like walking and biking as practical and healthful alternatives to traditional modes of transportation.