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Long-Distance Travel and the Urban Environment: Results from a Qualitative Study in Reykjavik

Author

Listed:
  • Johanna Raudsepp

    (Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iceland, Iceland)

  • Áróra Árnadóttir

    (Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iceland, Iceland)

  • Michał Czepkiewicz

    (Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iceland, Iceland)

  • Jukka Heinonen

    (Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Iceland, Iceland)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Johanna Raudsepp & Áróra Árnadóttir & Michał Czepkiewicz & Jukka Heinonen, 2021. "Long-Distance Travel and the Urban Environment: Results from a Qualitative Study in Reykjavik," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 6(2), pages 257-270.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:urbpla:v6:y:2021:i:2:p:257-270
    DOI: 10.17645/up.v6i2.3989
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jukka Heinonen & Michał Czepkiewicz & Áróra Árnadóttir & Juudit Ottelin, 2021. "Drivers of Car Ownership in a Car-Oriented City: A Mixed-Method Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-26, January.
    2. Xuemei Bai & Richard J. Dawson & Diana Ürge-Vorsatz & Gian C. Delgado & Aliyu Salisu Barau & Shobhakar Dhakal & David Dodman & Lykke Leonardsen & Valérie Masson-Delmotte & Debra C. Roberts & Seth Schu, 2018. "Six research priorities for cities and climate change," Nature, Nature, vol. 555(7694), pages 23-25, March.
    3. Áróra Árnadóttir & Michał Czepkiewicz & Jukka Heinonen, 2019. "The Geographical Distribution and Correlates of Pro-Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors in an Urban Region," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-29, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jukka Heinonen & Michał Czepkiewicz, 2021. "Cities, Long-Distance Travel, and Climate Impacts," Urban Planning, Cogitatio Press, vol. 6(2), pages 228-231.

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