A study of individual travel behaviour in Edinburgh, to assess the propensity to use non-motorised modes

Recent transport policy favours non-motorised modes, yet it remains to be seen, in a car dependent society, whether individuals will increase the amount they walk and cycle. Using Edinburgh as a case study, population segments are identified with the greatest propensity to use non-motorised modes. In addition, discrete choice models, based on random utility theory, are developed to determine propensity. Population segments are identified from the Scottish Household Survey, largely based upon the life stages of gaining employment, having children and entering retirement. Of the ten segments, those with the greatest propensity to use non-motorised modes are 'students', those 'in-between jobs' and 'part-timers without children'. A survey of 997 households in West Edinburgh provides further travel behaviour information. It included two stated preference experiments concerning the propensity to walk for motorists making short trips and the propensity to cycle for those travelling to work or study by motor car, bus or on foot. Parking costs are the most influential attribute upon the propensity to walk for motorists; journey time and petrol costs also have a significant effect. Cyclist facilities, primarily at the destination but also on route, affect the propensity to cycle to work or study. Model forecasts indicate that transport policy measures can have a slight impact upon non-motorised mode levels. Given the reluctance of many motorists within the West Edinburgh survey to change travel behaviour, a package of transport policy measures is to be recommended in order to reduce motor car usage and encourage non-motorised modes. If possible they should be targeted at certain population segments or neighbourhoods. Increasing parking and petrol prices, whilst improving public transport, could reduce motor car usage. Cyclist facility implementation, pedestrian environment improvements and the promotion of exercise benefits could encourage individuals to increase their non-motorised mode usage.