The climate change mitigation impacts of active travel: Evidence from a longitudinal panel study in seven European cities

Active travel (walking or cycling for transport) is considered the most sustainable and low carbon form of getting from A to B. Yet net effects changes in active on mobility-related CO2 emissions are complex under-researched. Here we collected longitudinal data daily behavior, journey purpose, as well personal geospatial characteristics seven European cities derived lifecycle over time space. Statistical modelling panel (n = 1849) was performed assess how travel, ‘main mode’ frequency influenced emissions. We found that have significant benefits, even urban contexts with already high walking shares. An increase consistently independently decreased emissions, suggesting substituted motorized – i.e. not just additional (induced) above travel. To illustrate this, an average person 1 trip/day more driving less 200 days a year would decrease by about 0.5 tonnes year, representing substantial share per capita transport. The largest benefits shifts car were business purposes, followed social recreational trips, commuting work place education. Changes pronounced those who younger, lived closer further public transport station. Even if all trips could be potential decreasing considerable significant. study gives policy practice empirical evidence needed climate change mitigation impacts measures interventions aimed at mode shift modes Investing promoting whilst ‘demoting’ private ownership use should cornerstone strategies meet ‘net zero’ targets, particularly areas, while also reducing inequalities improving health quality life post-COVID-19 world.