IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/p/zbw/rwirep/300567.html

Promoting active transportation: A comparative assessment of paths and prices

Author

Listed:
  • Mihailova, Darja
  • Vance, Colin

Abstract

The time people spend traveling has far reaching implications for their health and for environmental outcomes. Urban planning paradigms - such as that of the '15-minute city' - have consequently endeavoured to bring key services and amenities to residents within a walkable or cycleable 15-20-minute distance. These efforts notwithstanding, the policy levers that influence travel-related time allocation remain poorly understood. Drawing on a panel of household travel data from Germany covering 2005 to 2020, the present study analyses the role of two such levers - bicycle/pedestrian paths and fuel prices - as determinants of time allocation across modes. We start with a descriptive analysis that identifies a stable average travel time expenditure ranging between 65 - 70 minutes for women and 75 - 80 minutes for men until 2020, when it dropped precipitously as COVID-19 spread. We subsequently estimate fractional response models to identify the influence of the policy variables on time expenditures across motorized, nonmotorized, and public transit modes. We complete the analysis by feeding the model estimates into the World Heath Organization's on-line Health and Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) to quantify the health and environmental impacts of the planned expansion of the bike path network in the city of Munich, comparing this with the impact of Germany's recently introduced carbon tax on fuel. Both measures yield substantial benefits, with the implementation of the tax yielding a considerably higher benefit/cost ratio owing to its lower cost of implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihailova, Darja & Vance, Colin, 2024. "Promoting active transportation: A comparative assessment of paths and prices," Ruhr Economic Papers 1083, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:300567
    DOI: 10.4419/96973258
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.econstor.eu/bitstream/10419/300567/1/1895985218.pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.4419/96973258?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Richard Bluhm & Pascal Polonik & Kyle S. Hemes & Luke C. Sanford & Susanne A. Benz & Morgan C. Levy & Katharine L. Ricke & Jennifer A. Burney, 2022. "Disparate air pollution reductions during California’s COVID-19 economic shutdown," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 5(6), pages 509-517, June.
    2. Pucher, John & Buehler, Ralph, 2006. "Why Canadians cycle more than Americans: A comparative analysis of bicycling trends and policies," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 13(3), pages 265-279, May.
    3. Holian, Matthew J., 2020. "The impact of urban form on vehicle ownership," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    4. Ralph Buehler & John Pucher, 2012. "Cycling to work in 90 large American cities: new evidence on the role of bike paths and lanes," Transportation, Springer, vol. 39(2), pages 409-432, March.
    5. Keller, Rose & Vance, Colin, 2013. "Landscape pattern and car use: Linking household data with satellite imagery," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 250-257.
    6. Douglas Staiger & James H. Stock, 1997. "Instrumental Variables Regression with Weak Instruments," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 65(3), pages 557-586, May.
    7. Zaheer Allam & Simon Elias Bibri & David Jones & Didier Chabaud & Carlos Moreno, 2022. "Unpacking the ‘15-Minute City’ via 6G, IoT, and Digital Twins: Towards a New Narrative for Increasing Urban Efficiency, Resilience, and Sustainability," Post-Print hal-03997414, HAL.
    8. Frondel, Manuel & Ritter, Nolan & Vance, Colin, 2012. "Heterogeneity in the rebound effect: Further evidence for Germany," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 461-467.
    9. Colin Vance & Ralf Hedel, 2008. "On the Link Between Urban Form and Automobile Use: Evidence from German Survey Data," Land Economics, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 84(1), pages 51-65.
    10. Maizlish, N. & Woodcock, J. & Co, S. & Ostro, B. & Fanai, A. & Fairley, D., 2013. "Health cobenefits and transportation-related reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in the San Francisco Bay Area," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(4), pages 703-709.
    11. Frondel, Manuel & Marggraf, Clemens & Sommer, Stephan & Vance, Colin, 2021. "Reducing vehicle cold start emissions through carbon pricing: Evidence from Germany," Ruhr Economic Papers 896, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    12. Chandra Bhat & Rajul Misra, 1999. "Discretionary activity time allocation of individuals between in-home and out-of-home and between weekdays and weekends," Transportation, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 193-229, May.
    13. Ian Lahart & Patricia Darcy & Christopher Gidlow & Giovanna Calogiuri, 2019. "The Effects of Green Exercise on Physical and Mental Wellbeing: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-26, April.
    14. Manuel Frondel & Jorg Peters & Colin Vance, 2008. "Identifying the Rebound: Evidence from a German Household Panel," The Energy Journal, , vol. 29(4), pages 145-164, October.
    15. Wachs, Martin, 2003. "A Dozen Reasons for Raising Gasoline Taxes," Institute of Transportation Studies, Research Reports, Working Papers, Proceedings qt2000f8t0, Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Berkeley.
    16. Asif Ahmed & Peter Stopher, 2014. "Seventy Minutes Plus or Minus 10 - A Review of Travel Time Budget Studies," Transport Reviews, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 34(5), pages 607-625, September.
    17. Kayser, Hilke A., 2000. "Gasoline demand and car choice: estimating gasoline demand using household information," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 22(3), pages 331-348, June.
    18. Jeffrey M. Wooldridge, 2015. "Control Function Methods in Applied Econometrics," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 50(2), pages 420-445.
    19. Kevin Rennert & Frank Errickson & Brian C. Prest & Lisa Rennels & Richard G. Newell & William Pizer & Cora Kingdon & Jordan Wingenroth & Roger Cooke & Bryan Parthum & David Smith & Kevin Cromar & Dela, 2022. "Comprehensive evidence implies a higher social cost of CO2," Nature, Nature, vol. 610(7933), pages 687-692, October.
    20. Duranton, Gilles & Turner, Matthew A., 2018. "Urban form and driving: Evidence from US cities," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 108(C), pages 170-191.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Vance, Colin & Frondel, Manuel, 2015. "From fuel taxation to efficiency standards: A wrong turn in European climate protection?," VfS Annual Conference 2015 (Muenster): Economic Development - Theory and Policy 113171, Verein für Socialpolitik / German Economic Association.
    2. Keller, Rose & Vance, Colin, 2013. "Landscape pattern and car use: Linking household data with satellite imagery," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 33(C), pages 250-257.
    3. Manuel Frondel & Colin Vance, 2013. "Fuel Taxes versus Efficiency Standards – An Instrumental Variable Approach," Ruhr Economic Papers 0445, Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universität Dortmund, Universität Duisburg-Essen.
    4. Flintz, Joschka & Frondel, Manuel & Horvath, Marco, 2022. "Emissionswirkungen der 2021 reformierten Kfz-Steuer: Eine empirische Analyse," RWI Materialien 154, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung.
    5. Manuel Frondel & Colin Vance, 2018. "Drivers’ response to fuel taxes and efficiency standards: evidence from Germany," Transportation, Springer, vol. 45(3), pages 989-1001, May.
    6. Joschka Flintz & Manuel Frondel & Marco Horvath, 2022. "Emissionswirkungen der 2021 reformierten Kfz-Steuer: Eine empirische Analyse [Emissions effects of the german vehicle tax: an empirical analysis]," AStA Wirtschafts- und Sozialstatistisches Archiv, Springer;Deutsche Statistische Gesellschaft - German Statistical Society, vol. 16(3), pages 255-276, December.
    7. Frondel, Manuel & Vance, Colin, 2013. "Fuel Taxes versus Efficiency Standards – An Instrumental Variable Approach," Ruhr Economic Papers 445, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    8. Arpita Asha Khanna & Ilka Dubernet & Patrick Jochem, 2025. "Do car drivers respond differently to fuel price changes? Evidence from German household data," Transportation, Springer, vol. 52(2), pages 579-613, April.
    9. Arne Henningsen & Guy Low & David Wuepper & Tobias Dalhaus & Hugo Storm & Dagim Belay & Stefan Hirsch, 2024. "Estimating Causal Effects with Observational Data: Guidelines for Agricultural and Applied Economists," IFRO Working Paper 2024/03, University of Copenhagen, Department of Food and Resource Economics.
    10. Figus, Gioele & Swales, J.Kim & Turner, Karen, 2018. "Can Private Vehicle-augmenting Technical Progress Reduce Household and Total Fuel Use?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 136-147.
    11. Barbara Schlomann & Clemens Rohde & Wolfgang Eichhammer & Veit Bürger & Daniel Becker, 2013. "Which Role for Market-Oriented Instruments for Achieving Energy Efficiency Targets in Germany?," Energy & Environment, , vol. 24(1-2), pages 27-55, February.
    12. Frondel, Manuel & Ritter, Nolan & Vance, Colin, 2012. "Heterogeneity in the rebound effect: Further evidence for Germany," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 34(2), pages 461-467.
    13. repec:hal:gemwpa:hal-00991732 is not listed on IDEAS
    14. Longden, Thomas, 2016. "The Regularity and Irregularity of Travel: an Analysis of the Consistency of Travel Times Associated with Subsistence, Maintenance and Discretionary Activities," ET: Economic Theory 243150, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM).
    15. Do, Manh Hung & Nguyen, Trung Thanh, 2024. "Impact of crop commercialization on smallholder farmers’ resilience to shocks: Evidence from panel data for rural Southeast Asia," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 128(C).
    16. Manuel Frondel & Colin Vance, 2009. "Driving for Fun? – A Comparison of Weekdays and Weekend Travel," Ruhr Economic Papers 0103, Rheinisch-Westfälisches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Universität Dortmund, Universität Duisburg-Essen.
    17. Frondel, Manuel & Vance, Colin, 2009. "Driving for Fun? – A Comparison of Weekdays and Weekend Travel," Ruhr Economic Papers 103, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    18. Elise Desjardins & Christopher D. Higgins & Darren M. Scott & Emma Apatu & Antonio Páez, 2022. "Correlates of bicycling trip flows in Hamilton, Ontario: fastest, quietest, or balanced routes?," Transportation, Springer, vol. 49(3), pages 867-895, June.
    19. Andrea Coveri & Mario Pianta, 2019. "The Structural Dynamics of Income Distribution:Technology, Wages and Profits," Working Papers 1901, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Department of Economics, Society & Politics - Scientific Committee - L. Stefanini & G. Travaglini, revised 2019.
    20. Burns, Christopher & Prager, Daniel, 2016. "Do Direct Payments and Crop Insurance Influence Commercial Farm Survival and Decisions to Expand?," 2016 Annual Meeting, July 31-August 2, Boston, Massachusetts 235693, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
    21. Ensieh Shojaeddini & Ben Gilbert, 2023. "Heterogeneity in the Rebound Effect: Evidence from Efficient Lighting Subsidies," Environmental & Resource Economics, Springer;European Association of Environmental and Resource Economists, vol. 84(1), pages 173-217, January.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    JEL classification:

    • D61 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Allocative Efficiency; Cost-Benefit Analysis
    • R23 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Regional Migration; Regional Labor Markets; Population
    • R48 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Government Pricing and Policy

    NEP fields

    This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:zbw:rwirep:300567. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://edirc.repec.org/data/rwiesde.html .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.