Exploring transportation mode choices and air quality concerns: Insights from a diverse urban sample

We surveyed 1,936 participants in Bradford, England, to examine patterns of travel modes for commuting, school travel, and general transportation, and how these patterns differ based on attitudes toward air quality. Participants rated air quality, their level of concern, and the importance of improving it. Logistic regression models estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess associations between air quality concerns and transportation mode choices. Our findings revealed a significant reliance on unsustainable travel modes—54% of participants reported exclusively using petrol/diesel/van vehicles for commuting, and 75% for traveling around town. In contrast, 50% of participants used sustainable travel modes (public transit, active transportation, or electric vehicles) for school trips. Active travel was more common among White British participants, while South Asian participants were more likely to rely on unsustainable vehicles. Participants concerned about air quality had significantly lower odds of using petrol/diesel/van vehicles for commuting (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.53–1.01), school trips (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.54–1.01), and traveling around town (OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.52–0.94) compared to those unconcerned. Additionally, concerned individuals were more likely to use sustainable transportation, with increased odds of choosing active travel modes for commuting (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.04–2.07) and traveling around town (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.46–2.60). These findings suggest that air quality concerns independently influence travel behavior, encouraging the adoption of sustainable transport options. Future research should explore how changing attitudes shape long-term transportation choices and policy interventions aimed at promoting environmentally friendly mobility.