Citation

Soltani A, Allan A, Somenahalli S, Primerano F. World Transp. Policy Pract. 2006; 13(1): 64-78.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Eco-Logica)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Prior literature has found suburban development to be associated with the unbalanced choice of travel mode. The micro-scale aspects of the built environment that influence modal choice, however, have not been well-established. Furthermore, the majority of the literature is from North American or European cities, thereby providing less Australian context. Using a sample from Adelaide, this paper looked at the connection between neighborhood design and mode choice, classifying the sample into 2 low-density, growing outer-ring suburbs vs. 2 suburbs selected for their higher density, stability, and inner-ring location. Statistical analyses showed that neighborhood design has a strong association with mode choice. Specifically, traditional neighborhood designs are correlated with the choice of non-motorized modes, while suburban designs are associated with automobile use. Multinomial logit models suggest that micro-scale urban form factors play a key role, and that travel time and commute distance also impact mode choice along with a number of social factors such as income level, employment, and family structure. This study, therefore, supports the assertion that land use policies have at least some potential to reduce the choice of private vehicles, thereby reducing dependency on vehicles. This study may also serve to assist other practitioners in Adelaide in their efforts to address the issue of inducing travel, and to present better solutions for sustainability concerns. (ITRD abstract)