Long-Distance Travel and the Urban Environment
Results from a Qualitative Study in Reykjavik
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22018176 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Johanna Raudsepp (0009-0007-3997-2690, University of Iceland), Áróra Árnadóttir (0000-0002-2345-5919, University of Iceland), Michał Czepkiewicz (0000-0001-7079-1723, University of Iceland), J T Heinonen (0000-0002-7298-4999, University of Iceland) |
| Year | 2021 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 257-270 |
| Publication date | 2021-06-09 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Urban Planning (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2183-7635 • E-ISSN: 2183-7635 |
| Publisher | Cogitatio (PUBLISHER • PT) |
| DOI | 10.17645/up.v6i2.3989 |
| OpenAlex | W3168179306 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 53 |
A compact urban form has shown many benefits in efficiency. Yet multiple studies have found that residents of urban, dense, and centrally located areas travel more frequently than those living in suburbs, small towns, or the countryside. As air travel is already causing more emissions than ground transport in many affluent urban locations and is predicted to increase, this pattern could undermine efforts in climate change mitigation. Explanations of these patterns and motivations for long-distance travel connected to the built environment have been examined quantitatively before, but with inconclusive answers. We studied this topic qualitatively in Reykjavik, Iceland, offering an in-depth perspective through semi-structured interviews. Results showed various links between the urban environment and long-distance travel. Some indications of compensatory travel behavior emerged, particularly connected to a lack of quality green areas, hectic urban life, and commuting stress. Compensatory trips were typically domestic. Furthermore, residential preferences seemed connected to leisure travel preferences—living in green neighborhoods was connected to more domestic travel to nature. The results show there are more factors for ‘escape’ trips than urban density and lack of green spaces. Examples of car-free lifestyles hindering domestic leisure travel were also found. Our study shows how a qualitative approach offers nuanced insight into the travel motivations of urbanites. Considering our results and travel motivation literature, the compensation hypothesis appears to be an overly narrow theoretical framing. Our study supports the conclusion that planning policies should aim at reducing car-dependence. Further research is needed for specific policy recommendations
Business · Civil engineering · Compact city · Economic geography · Geography · Transport engineering · Travel behavior · TRIPS architecture · Urban planning · Engineering · Impact of Light on Environment and Health · Urban Green Space and Health · Urban Transport and Accessibility
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Asking Questions
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The Influence of the Residential Environment on Green-Space Travel
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| Unique citing works | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,8 |
| Citation span | 2021 - 2025 (5) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 4 |