JMP are currently undertaking a research project with Transport for London (TfL) to investigate the reasons behind the low levels of active travel (walking and cycling) among younger adults in the London area.
Findings from the London Travel Report 2006 revealed surprisingly low levels of cycling and walking amongst teenagers and young adults in the 17-30 age range, an age group that may be assumed to be more physically active. In order to best investigate and understand the reasons behind this a qualitative approach was selected as most appropriate, allowing freedom to focus on discussion of issues felt to be most relevant to the participants.
50 interviews are to be carried out with younger adults resident in four boroughs of London. These represent areas of different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, as well as higher and lower records for active travel. Through the course of the study, several factors will be examined from participant’s input, including safety fears, environmental attitudes, health impact and beliefs, peer views and opinions and image and identity with transport.
The key deliverables of the project include a report on the qualitative analysis of the interviews, identification of the key determinants of the decline in active travel, and recommendations for interventions, with advice on the timing of such projects to increase active travel mode use.
