Activity spaces and leisure travel emissions: A case study in Reykjavík, Iceland

Abstract

Concerned by the increasing environmental impact of urban areas and the mobility sector, the study examines mobility in Reykjavík, Iceland. Reykjavík residents have been found to have high emissions in both local and leisure travel. The study aims to explore the connections between urban mobility and leisure travel behaviour using a novel method – activity spaces. The relationship between activity spaces and travel emissions is examined for the first time, based on data of about 700 respondents from a softGIS survey. Connections between activity spaces, local and domestic travel were found. High levels of urban mobility were connected to higher engagement in domestic leisure travel, indicating the presence of a highly mobile lifestyle among Reykjavík urbanites. The reasons for the travel could stem from compensation behaviour, or social network dispersion. In addition, the study points at a lack of functioning 15-minute neighbourhoods and public transit in the capital area. Some differences between income groups were noticed, particularly in urban mobility, pointing at the need to examine the social floor of mobility even within generally affluent societies, so that disadvantaged groups do not get left behind in the sustainable mobility transition. As it has been suggested that people travel for their well-being and to escape the tumult of urban life, the relationship between urban mobility, especially environmental exposure during daily travel, and well-being should be studied. Therefore, the study urges for sustainable mobility transitions and urban planning policies that consider the needs and well-being of citizens in all socio-demographic groups.