Pedestrians’ Perceptions of Motorized Traffic in Suburban–Rural Areas of a Metropolitan Region

Exploring Measurement Perspectives

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15501993
AutoresDan Andersson (0000-0002-1574-4809, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences), Lina Wahlgren (Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences), Peter Schantz (0000-0003-3547-425X, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, autor de correspondencia)
Año2026
Volumen23
Número2
Páginas206-206
Fecha de publicación2026-02-06
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
EditorialMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph23020206
PMID41752288
OpenAlexW7128165085
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas35

Background : Since World War II, the number of motorized vehicles has increased dramatically. Yet, few studies have evaluated how perceptions of single and multiple motorized traffic variables, in different combinations, influence pedestrians' appraisals of the route environment in relation to whether it facilitates or deters walking. We have previously illuminated this in an inner urban area of a metropolitan region. This study aims to scrutinize these matters in the suburban-rural parts of the same metropolitan area. For comparative reasons, we use the same methods as used for the inner urban area. Our hypothesis is that these kinds of perceptions, to some extent, may be context-specific. Methods : Relations between pedestrians' perceptions of motorized traffic variables (flow and speeds of motor vehicles, noise, and exhaust fumes) and combinations of them, as well as if appraisals of route environments hinder-stimulate walking and are unsafe-safe for reasons of traffic, have been evaluated. This was studied in the suburban and rural areas of Greater Stockholm, Sweden. The pedestrians (n = 233) rated their route environment with the Active Commuting Route Environment Scale (ACRES). Correlation, multiple regression, and mediation analyses were used to study the relationships. Results : The regression analyses showed that noise was the primary negative predictor variable in relation to hindering-stimulating walking. With respect to the other outcome, unsafe-safe traffic, none of the variables had a significant relation. The mediation analyses showed that (1) vehicle speed had an indirect effect on unsafe-safe traffic via noise, (2) both vehicle speed and vehicle flow had, via noise, indirect effects on hinders-stimulates walking, and (3) vehicle speed had, via vehicle flow, an indirect effect on noise and exhaust fumes. Conclusions : In suburban-rural route environments, noise protrudes as a hindering variable for walking. The mediation analyses showed that vehicle speed intensified noise and had negative effects on both outcomes. Therefore, by reducing vehicle speed, noise levels will be lowered, and the walking experience is likely to be enhanced, which can influence the amount of walking. The results are further illuminated through the exploration of existing and potential future research strategies

Mediation · Metropolitan area · Perception · Poison control · Regression analysis · Scale (ratio · Traffic flow (computer networking · Variables · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Noise Effects and Management · Traffic and Road Safety · Urban Transport and Accessibility