Investigating the Effects of Active Travel in Health and Quality of Life

Abstract

The ever-increasing tendency of people to travel by motorized vehicles contributes significantly to air pollution and traffic problems. Active travel, namely walking and cycling, seems to be a feasible solution to the current situation in urban mobility. The present paper aims at investigating the effects of active travel in health and quality of life and determine those factors that affect travel behavior. A structured literature review was carried out, which revealed the strong association of walking/cycling with the containment of noncommunicable diseases and the invigoration of wellbeing and self-confidence. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted in Greece, addressing the attitudes and perceptions of 507 people towards active travel, health and quality of life. Results showed that participants have a more positive attitude about walking compared to cycling, while characteristics such as age, gender, body mass index, physical and health conditions determine active commuting and consequently life satisfaction.

Keywords

• sustainability
• walking
• cycling
• physical activity
• wellbeing
• travel behavior