A Study on the Barriers and Challenges for the Usage of Active Transportation in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Active transportation includes human-powered travel like walking, cycling, and skating. Active Transportation offers various benefits for users, society, and the economy in Sri Lanka. However it is not widely recognized as a primary commuting mode for daily travelers. This study mainly focuses on identifying potential barriers and potential challenges to the usage of active transportation in Sri Lanka and identifying the relationship between them especially focusing on the Colombo district. The study is limited only into the cycling because of the availability of data. The study has a quantitative approach and its cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was distributed physically and online to daily Colombo commuters for work, education and other purposes. Using convenience sampling, 384 responses were collected. The collected data were analysed by using IBM SPSS statistical tool. Most daily travelers to Colombo are males, with females fewer due to safety concerns while cycling. The majority belong to the millennial/Gen Z generation. Their trips prioritize work, followed by leisure activities. Few come for studies. The study has found four potential barriers and three potential challenges to the usage of active transportation. Identified barriers are infrastructure barriers, safety barriers, environmental barriers, and public perception about cycling. Identified challenges are costs related to cycles, air pollution, and educational aspects. It was also identified that there are negative relationships to the usage of active transportation in Sri Lanka from the above-mentioned barriers and challenges. As recommendations to future studies, it is better to look at other types of active transportation without limiting cycling focusing on the whole Sri Lankan context as this study is based only on Colombo. It will be good for future researchers can focus on the benefits and impact of potential barriers and challenges of active transportation.This study also provides some recommendations like creating new transport policies to promote cycling in Sri Lanka.