Does the Built Environment Influence Vehicle Type Choice? Evidence from Northern California

摘要: It is evident that compact development can lower auto ownership, reduce trip lengths, and increase the uses of alternative modes. Recently, several studies found suburban associated with unbalanced choice light duty trucks (LDTs). These have not shed much light, however, on underlying direction causality- whether neighborhood designs as opposed to attitudes towards vehicle more strongly influence individuals' decisions type choice. The available evidence thus leaves unanswered questions: if policies require compact, mixed-use development, will people choose drive passenger automobiles? And so, what are implications for air quality? Using a survey 1682 respondents in Northern California, this study applied correlational analyses multinomial logit model (MNL) investigate causal link from built environment results showed has strong association Specifically, traditional (exhibiting mixed land and/or high accessibility) correlated automobiles, while (including large yards off-street parking) LDTs- especially minivans pickup trucks. MNL suggests attitudinal factors play an important role, impacts after controlling demographic variables. Therefore, provides supportive argument smart growth strategies potential LDTs, thereby reducing emissions. However, mediating effects suggest ignoring role lead overestimation influences