Effect of urban Form on the dynamic nature of travel behaviour

• Main Author: Banerjee, Urbi
• Published: Ulster University 2015
• Subjects: 303.48
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.674734

This research presents an empirical investigation of the relationship between urban form and travel behaviour in order to understand the relative influence of factors influencing travel patterns in Northern Ireland. Two specific issues integral to our daily lives are of concern when determining the inter-relationship patterns between urban form and travel behaviour, firstly 'where we live' and secondly its impact on 'how we travel' or vice versa. For this, the study used an innovative mixed-model design comprising of an inductive qualitative approach using a grounded theory method (GTM) to identify context specific relevant factors influencing travel decisions. This is followed by a quantitative investigation using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the strength, significance and mechanism of the factors influencing this relationship. The data was collected from three case study areas based on varying macro-scale urban form characteristics with each area representing an urban classification relevant to the policy context. The multi-level design examined the influence on both traditional and spatial indicators of travel behaviour using a combination of PLS-SEM techniques and GIS analysis. Methodologically this research has a pedagogical focus by demonstrating the usefulness of adopting techniques from other behavioural research fields for implementation in travel behaviour research. The GTM analysis identified the role of land -use planning in shaping travel patterns which has resulted in high car dependency and residential immobility in Northern Ireland. The quantitative analysis further reported that the strongest influence was exerted by residential preferences followed by neighbourhood characteristics on the structural urban form indicator in terms of 'where we live' which in turn influences 'how we travel'. Equally, strong car-oriented preferences influenced travel behaviour which further emphasized the significance of the role of attitude and preferences towards residential location and mode choice. To summarise, strong anti-urban sentiments determining 'where we live' mediate the relationship between urban form and travel behaviour. Thus integrated land-use transport measures need to be strongly complemented with soft policy measures to effectively target sustainable transport initiatives in Northern Ireland.