This paper presents an accessibility literature review and updates the accessibility definition and conceptual model of Geurs and van Wee (2004). The paper presents a five-component conceptual model for both calculated and perceived accessibility, which suggests that accessibility depends on the transport system, land use system, digital infrastructure and technologies, characteristics of people and their social interactions, and the temporal component, as well as numerous mutual interrelationships. The paper reviewed operationalisations of calculated and perceived accessibility, which measure accessibility in different ways and show different perspectives on accessibility. The addition of the digital component of accessibility is the first main extension of our conceptualisation of calculated and perceived accessibility. The literature review, however, shows that the direct and indirect impacts of digitalisation on calculated and perceived accessibility are understudied. Existing studies primarily focus on the impacts of teleworking and telehealth on calculated accessibility. The second main extension to the 2004 conceptual model is the addition of social interactions to the individual component of accessibility. The review shows that existing calculated and perceived accessibility studies, however, typically ignore social interactions within households and local communities, which can help to overcome accessibility barriers and influence perceptions of accessibility. The paper identifies several directions for future research, including the direct and indirect impacts of digitalization on calculated and perceived accessibility, as well as the further development of perceived accessibility and equity measures.

Cycling speed is an important attribute of bicycle traffic flow, being related to travel times, safety and road capacity. Although cycling speed changes constantly during a trip, it is typically measured at the trip-average or aggregated level, and microscopic speed fluctuations are rarely studied. This study aims to quantitatively understand the cycling speed stability within a trip and the determinants of speed stability and disruption. To this end, data from bicycle trips tracked with GPS devices are used. A change point detection method, the pruned exact linear time (PELT) algorithm, is adapted to split trip trajectories into segments differing in speed stability. Then, a rule-based algorithm is developed to classify segments into six speed (in)stability patterns: stable, increase, decrease, V-shape (speed decreases followed by increases), reverse V-shape (speed increases followed by decreases) and complicated unstable patterns. Finally, a two-level multinomial model is estimated to examine the determinants of different patterns. The findings suggest that stable patterns account for half the trip distances, and their speed is higher than the speed of unstable patterns. The V-shape pattern is the most frequent unstable type. Intersections, turns and built-up land use are the main causes of unstable speeds. Cycling on physically separate paths tends to involve more unstable speeds than on mixed-use infrastructures, such as bicycle streets and bicycle tracks. This study finds that daily cycling involves a considerable amount of unstable speed. While its effects have not been directly examined, speed instability likely increases travel times and physical effort and is perceived negatively by cyclists. This underscores the potential benefits of a smooth cycling network and highlights the need for future research on the role of speed stability.

This study explores perceived accessibility specific to air transportation in the Dutch context through a focus group study. Five focus group sessions were held with a total of 24 participants with air travel experience within the past five years. Online focus groups were held during the period that the COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions were in effect, specifically around 12 months after the travel restrictions were implemented globally. In terms of the importance of activities accessible by flight, we observe that travelers particularly attach importance to visiting family and relatives, while the importance attached to the business and recreational activities accessible by flight varies among participants. As far as the transport component of accessibility is concerned, we find that, in addition to conventional variables in air transportation research, such as cost and travel times, unconventional variables such as uncertainty during flight schedule disruptions or the mood of staff and other passengers contribute to perceived accessibility by air transportation. Based on the results, we further discuss characteristics specific to perceived accessibility by air transportation, directions for further qualitative and quantitative research regarding perceived accessibility by air transportation, and implications for policy and planning.

This research investigates the influence of socio-cultural factors and sociodemographic characteristics on bicycle use in Auckland, a multi-cultural city in New Zealand. To identify the strength of socio-cultural factors compared to other various social psychological determinants, a conceptual model is proposed encompassing Socio-cultural influences, Price Value, Perceived Safety and Security, Perceived accessibility, Information and Engagement, and Bicycle use. Using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), the effects of these determinants on bicycle use were assessed. The moderating effects of sociodemographic factors including age, gender, ethnicity, and income level on the influence of these determinants on bicycle usage were also examined. Results suggest that socio-cultural influences have the strongest impact on bicycle use in Auckland, showing that those who ride a bicycle more than others are influenced more by family, friends, community, and culture to use a bicycle. Additionally, sociodemographic characteristics only moderate the influence of socio-cultural factors on bicycle usage indicating that socio-cultural factors influence bicycle use differently across various population groups. The strong influence of socio-cultural factors and the moderating role of sociodemographic characteristics on bicycle use in Auckland suggest that social and cultural dynamics are critical in shaping individual decisions to cycle, even more than practical considerations such as price, infrastructure, engagement, or safety. Therefore, transport strategies targeting specific population groups and relevant socio-cultural barriers can enhance bicycle use and promote equity in cycling. Suggested transport strategies include integrating socio-cultural initiatives with local government's transport policies such as education, community engagement, and awareness campaigns, implementing effective monitoring and evaluation initiatives followed by longitudinal investigations, and incorporating cultural representation in cycling initiatives. These short-term, mid-term, and long-term strategies can guide the development of more inclusive and effective transport strategies to enhance cycling participation across diverse demographic groups and achieve broader societal benefits.

A biased preference for the status quo could explain the increased support for policies following their implementation. However, the influence of status quo bias on support for transport policies has been analysed to a limited extent only. The counterfactual test serves as a potential method to empirically explore this influence by framing policies as the existing or alternative situation. This paper employs the counterfactual test to ascertain whether individuals disproportionately favour the status quo. To this end, we have designed separate experiments focusing on three transport policies: road pricing, speed limits, and train ticket fare differentiation. The results indicate that status quo bias does indeed influence support for transport policies. Participants prefer each policy option when framed as the status quo. In contrast, support for the same policy option declines when presented as the alternative situation. These findings underscore the irrational tendency to adhere to the status quo, which may stem from psychological commitments or cognitive misperceptions. Therefore, politicians, policymakers, and practitioners should anticipate a bias towards the status quo when introducing controversial transport policies.

In this paper we propose a meta-theory for travel and travel-related choices (MTTC). The meta-theory envisions that travel choices are based on five building blocks: (1) travel motivations (regarding whether to travel or not in the first place, and regarding the choice of specific alternatives associated with the main decision to travel), (2) the decision-making paradigm, (3) the type of travel choice, (4) personal characteristics, and (5) context factors. After explaining each of these building blocks, the paper offers a conceptual model that links them. It closes with some suggested avenues for future research. The MTTC helps researchers to explicitly underpin their methodological choices. In addition, we conclude that there is much heterogeneity with respect to the combinations of the five building blocks of the MTTC, and allowing for this heterogeneity improves our understanding of travel (-related) choices.

This study aims to evaluate equity in cycling initiatives and their operational challenges by reviewing a wide range of cycling initiatives implemented in Auckland, New Zealand. The effectiveness of current initiatives with respect to various target groups or resulting beneficiaries is discussed, along with potential additional initiatives, barriers to implementing cycling equity initiatives in practice, and possible solutions to address such barriers. By interviewing policymakers, decision-makers, planners, designers, and transportation professionals, 44 cycling initiatives are identified. Results suggest that the geographical distribution of some of the current initiatives implemented could be more equitable. While some initiatives are equitable, there remain challenges with respect to their implementation. Additionally, there are limited initiatives focusing on the safety of female cyclists in Auckland, and no initiatives specifically aimed at Māori and Pacific people, groups that can both be considered disadvantaged with respect to cycling in Auckland. Potential additional policy initiatives include e-bike/bicycle subsidies, policy and law changes, education and awareness campaigns, better urban planning, policies aimed at making cycling easier, and better monitoring and evaluation. Barriers to the implementation of cycling equity initiatives in practice include sociocultural issues, financial constraints, poor planning, human resource limitations, and the built environment. Suggested strategies to help overcome some of these issues include adopting an equity lens and providing equity assessments for all initiatives, thus providing a wider coverage with respect to diversity in the population, enhanced engagement with the community, and the empowerment of people.

Car dependence brings along many negative social and environmental externalities that policymakers and stakeholders need to consider. Nonetheless, the concept is not well defined and lacks a clear framework regarding its determinants and mechanisms, which also leads to problems in terms of its operationalisation. Therefore, this paper proposes a conceptualisation and operationalisation of car dependence, which can serve as a basis for further research and policy. We define car dependence as the extent to which an individual is incapable to participate in location-based activities without a car in a satisfactory way. This definition is based on the theoretical background of the capabilities approach and the concept of motility and also linked to the concept of accessibility. Our conceptual model consists of seven components, most of which have been considered separately in previous conceptualisations, namely the land use system, transport system, natural environment, temporal component, social environment, and individual objective/subjective characteristics. These components range from being external to the individual (e.g. the land use system) to internal (e.g. individual features). Considering these components jointly emphasises the importance of looking at car dependence in a holistic, unifying way. This approach contributes to a better understanding of car dependence that goes beyond the explicit analysis of components in previous research. In addition, we provide a systematic approach to operationalising car dependence that contributes to a more comparable approach to measuring car dependence. Researchers have to decide whether they want to examine car dependence via its components or via self-report by individuals, whether they want to study the full set of components or only a subset, and whether they want to consider perceptions or factual information about external components. Therefore, our conceptualisation and operationalisation provide valuable new insights into car dependence regarding new research directions and policy approaches.

Smooth cycling can improve the competitiveness of bicycles. Understanding cycling speed variation during a trip reveals the infrastructure or situations which promote or prevent smooth cycling. However, research on this topic is still limited. This study analyses speed variation based on data collected in the Netherlands, using GPS-based devices, continuously recording geographical positions and thus the variation in speeds during trips. Linking GPS data to spatial data sources adds features that vary during the trip. Multilevel mixed-effects models were estimated to test the influence of factors at cyclist, trip and tracking point levels. Results show that individuals who prefer a high speed have a higher average personal speed. Longer trips and trips made by conventional electric bicycles and sport bicycles have a higher average trip speed. Tracking point level variables explain intra-trip cycling speed variations. Light-medium precipitation and tailwind increase cycling speed, while both uphill and downhill cycling is relatively slow. Cycling in natural and industrial areas is relatively fast. Intersections, turns and their adjacent roads decrease cycling speed. The higher the speed, the stronger the influence of infrastructure on speed. Separate bicycle infrastructure, such as bike tracks, streets and lanes, increase speed. These findings are useful in the areas of cycling safety, mode choice models and bicycle accessibility analysis. Furthermore, these findings provide additional evidence for smooth cycling infrastructure construction.

Air transportation is a mode of transport developed specifically to provide access to long-distance destinations that may otherwise be infeasible or at least more difficult to reach. Accordingly, there are distinct aspects of air travel that require consideration when assessing accessibility by air transportation, which are not addressed in general local accessibility studies. This paper reviews studies of accessibility by air transportation. The studies in question were published in academic journals, and we analysed them using the broad theoretical framework of accessibility of Geurs and van Wee [Accessibility evaluation of land-use and transport strategies: Review and research directions. Journal of Transport Geography, 12(2), 127–140]. We discuss the characteristics of accessibility by air transportation to consider when designing research, as well as trends and knowledge gaps in the existing literature. An important gap is that, while there is a growing interest towards perceived accessibility by air transportation, accessibility measures based on this perspective have not yet been applied yet. Additionally, the literature is largely focused on the transport and land-use components of accessibility as opposed to the individual and temporal components. We finish by discussing the benefits and drawbacks of directly applying conventional accessibility measures for research on accessibility by air transportation, as well as options to modify the temporal component of conventional person-based accessibility measures for better applicability in the air travel context.

As cities grow, the benefits of living in them are increasingly unequally distributed. USA cities, in particular, have experienced rapid suburbanization of poverty and decreased levels of access to jobs for transit-dependent and vulnerable communities. The public transit challenges in suburbs call for innovative forms of transit to turn the tide on urban inequality. On-demand microtransit, a novel type of shared mobility provides efficient, convenient and affordable transportation. Its potential for redressing inequity had yet to be investigated fully in a suburban setting. We presented a case study from the suburbs of Minneapolis-St. Paul in Minnesota, USA. We combined unique datasets of microtransit ridership from two public transit agencies, transit surveys, land use data, and expert interviews, to conduct spatial analysis, accessibility analysis, and equity impact assessments for these suburbs. We found that microtransit enables public transit agencies to reach a larger number of vulnerable riders than fixed-route transit, particularly for commuting and trips to/from commercial areas. Microtransit also provided a cheaper alternative to ride-hailing and a faster alternative to public transit and walking, without cannibalizing ridership from fixed-rout transit alternatives. Finally, microtransit redressed transportation inequities by alleviating access inequality, reaching vulnerable rider groups effectively, and creating travel opportunities that are less spatially concentrated than those provided by traditional, fixed-route public transit. This study provided a framework for further investigations into the impact of microtransit, including in urban core or rural settings, and highlighted the impact of microtransit in reducing access inequity in a suburban environment.