Effect of Major Life Events on Travel Behaviours: A Scoping Review

Abstract

The transportation sector accounts for about a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. Previous research suggests that major life events may be “windows of opportunity” for travel behaviour change. Our scoping review examined the effects of seven events (transitions to secondary school, post-secondary studies, labour market, marriage, parenthood, retirement, and relocation) on travel behaviours. Five databases were searched (MEDLINE, APA PsycINFO, Web of Science, SportDISCUS, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses) and 80 articles met inclusion criteria. Relocation was the most commonly examined event (with 51 studies). Findings illustrate that moving to compact neighbourhoods (with shorter commute distance/travel time, greater walkability/access to destinations) was associated with shifts towards sustainable travel modes (e.g., walking, cycling, and transit). Relocation might be particularly conducive to implementing scalable sustainable transportation interventions, as all six interventions with appropriate statistical power were effective. Entry into the labour market was generally associated with increased car use and declines in sustainable transportation. Qualitative studies suggested that attitudes towards cycling may become negative during adolescence, while attitudes towards driving improve, highlighting a need for concerted action. Evidence for other events was less consistent. Research in developing countries remain scarce and further intervention research is needed to enhance quality of evidence.

Gender Gaps in Mode Usage, Vehicle Ownership, and Spatial Mobility When Entering Parenthood: A Life Course Perspective

“…The theoretical foundation of mobility biographies is that travel behaviors are generally considered habitual, and people do not tend to change their travel patterns on a daily basis [18][19][20]. However, habitual travel behavior may be disrupted when major life events occur, providing opportunities to influence mobility decisions [21][22][23][24][25][26][27]. The extent and manner in which individuals change their travel mode in response to a specific life event depend on the long-term decision contexts within which these decisions are made.…”

Investigating social inequalities in children’s independent mobility, active transportation and outdoor free play in two Canadian cities

“…Meanwhile, the prioritization of automobile-oriented mobility has been blamed for the widespread decline in children's use of active transportation (AT) ( Hillman, 1990 , Larouche et al, 2020 , van der Ploeg et al, 2008 ). This, in turn, has hindered children from actively traveling (by walking or cycling) to various destinations such as schools and parks.…”

The panorama of public officials’ meeting trips after the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact level, recovery, and prospects

“…Although the recovery of business travel is ongoing and market research agencies expect a considerable growth to a worldwide US$ 2.0 trillion spending on business trips by 2028 (Valuates Reports, 2022), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be compared to previous cases. Admittedly, the temporal and geographical extension of the current crisis are substantially higher, representing a life-changing episode that may induce new habits and lifestyles (Gardner, 2009;Larouche et al, 2020).…”