Car-free Life and Factors Influencing Travel Mode Choice

Abstract

The article discusses the issues related to the choice of a travel mode. It explores factors which may lead to the decision to lead a life without a car, as well as describing the advantages and disadvantages associated with such a car-free lifestyle. A qualitative design was chosen for the research. The first group comprised respondents who had never begun to drive, the second individuals who had given up their car voluntarily, of their own accord, and the third consisted of individuals who were forced by circumstances to give up car use. Respondents from the Czech Republic and Austria participated in the survey. The results suggest that the main factors conducive to a car-free life are the lack of a perceived need for a car, financial costs, and fear of driving. The concepts of voluntariness and internal motivation also play a role.