Shaping active transport behavior: The impact of public safety agencies and judicial institutions

Abstract

Active transport offers substantial health and environmental benefits. While existing research and practices have predominantly focused on behavioral interventions and infrastructure improvements, the role of the distribution of safety resources on residents' daily behaviors has been largely overlooked. This study explores how proximity to public safety agencies and judicial institutions affects residents' active transport behaviors by enhancing their sense of safety. The findings indicate that living closer to these agencies significantly increases active transport adoption. However, the impact is less pronounced for women, middle-aged adults, rural residents, and individuals with lower education and socioeconomic status who may face additional barriers and varying perceptions of safety. Our findings highlight the importance of a governance-driven approach to enhancing safety perceptions in promoting active transportation, expanding the theoretical framework by integrating governance with traditional behavioral and infrastructural perspectives. Such approaches are essential to ensure safety measures are effective, inclusive, and contribute to equitable improvements in public health and environmental sustainability.