Does active transport create a win-win situation for environmental and human health? The moderating effect of leisure and tourism activity

Abstract

Although active transport contributes to environmental and human health, only limited research has been conducted on what makes people participate in active transport in tourism-related contexts. To fill this gap, research was conducted on theoretically conceptualized relationships between pro-social behavior on active transport, air quality, climate change mitigation, and health with a moderator of leisure and tourism activity. In order to collect data, an online survey was conducted targeting Korean cyclists and walkers, and PLS-SEM and deep learning were applied for data analysis. Results revealed that pro-social behavior on active transport has a great effect on perceived air quality. Health is strongly influenced by pursuing climate change mitigation and a strong impact of active transport on health was identified. There were greater effects between pro-social behavior and air quality as well as pro-social behavior and climate change mitigation for those engaged in active transport for tourism than for leisure, while the leisure group has a stronger relationship between pro-social behavior and health than for tourism. The results are valuable for encouraging active transport behavior.