Effects of ‘green transport’ on leisure behaviour in cities

Abstract

The idea of leisure time is becoming more and more popular in Taiwan as the concept of the two-day weekend gradually becomes more widely accepted, and leisure activities begin to play a more important role in people's lives. The idea of ‘low-carbon-dioxide tourism’, in conjunction with environmental protection, is being promoted by the Taiwanese government. The method of transport being used by those engaging in recreational activities is one of the major issues under discussion. Little research has been conducted regarding the difficulties people encounter while trying to ensure their activities leave a small carbon dioxide ‘footprint’. This study explores what influences people to choose ‘green transport’, as well as how conditions of the physical environment affect the choice in Taipei. It has been determined that the diversity of leisure facilities, level of convenience and environmental design in a built environment have an important effect on a person's decision to use green transport for recreational purposes. The study is being made available to the Taiwanese government for the purpose of improving and further developing ways to decrease transport-related carbon dioxide emissions, as well as to help to achieve the goals of urban lifestyles of health and sustainability.