Active travel in the university setting: Assessing the effects of social behavior, socioeconomics, and spatial location

Abstract

University campuses are pooling efforts to promote active mobility to reduce their negative impacts on the urban environment, which is significantly influenced by the overreliance on motorized modes of transport. Providing sufficient and safe accessibility conditions for active travel has been highlighted as a crucial strategy for transforming campuses into more livable and sustainable areas in cities. To further explore the likelihood of active mobility uptake at university campuses, this study explored university students’ mobility patterns over time, examining the role of social behavior, socioeconomics, and spatial location factors. The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Porto, Greater Oporto, Portugal, provided the empirical focus for this research. The data analyzed were acquired through surveys of representative samples and spatial analysis over the academic years of 2012, 2017, and 2023. The statistical analysis explained the tendencies and multifactorial influences on travel behavior among university students. Results indicated that travel distance is associated with housing options and travel costs, whereas access to a metro station was associated with walking or cycling. Hence, this study contributed to a deeper understanding of active travel behavior. It provided insights to guide planning practitioners and decision makers in creating integrated transport policy packages that address the barriers and needs of the university community and the surrounding neighborhoods.