A2W
Active modes of transportation, such as walking and cycling, can help reduce emissions, incorporate physical activity into daily life, and improve quality of life. However, little is currently known about the conditions under which active travel also promotes mental well-being and how the specific urban environment influences the experience during a trip.
Project
Director: Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Fina
Research Assistant
Antonia Finger
Partner
University of Konstanz, Department of Sports
Science Project Director: Prof. Dr. phil. Martina Kanning
Research Assistant: Merlin Radbruch
Funding
Funded by the DFG
The goal of the project is to investigate the effects of active transportation on commuters’ moment-to-moment emotional experience and perception of stress. The study examines the role played by environmental factors such as greenery, noise, weather, transportation infrastructure, and the level of use of public spaces. The Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg’s research contribution lies in the development of methods for recording and spatially analyzing these environmental characteristics along the routes traveled. To this end, environmental, movement, and survey data are linked together. In addition, the study examines whether experiences during daily commutes influence satisfaction with the chosen mode of transportation and its future use.
The research project is being conducted in collaboration between the Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg and the University of Konstanz. It builds on the predecessor project AMbit – Active Mobility, which examined the relationships between the design of the residential environment, active mobility, social participation, and mental health.