Abstract
Good public transport accessibility is often linked to increased
active travel, yet Q6 gender differences in this area are relatively underresearched.
Our study aimed to explore these gender variations in active mobility
within Johannesburg, South Africa. To achieve this, we utilized a robust research
design, collecting primary data through an online survey administered via
Google Forms.
Methods: A total of 425 structured questionnaires was distributed using a
random sampling approach, with the survey being sent through email and
social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook. Respondents provided
information on their socioeconomic characteristics, travel behaviours, and
factors influencing their use of active travel. We employed the Likert scale
method for response ranking and used the binary logistic model being a
choice model to validate the Likert scale results and also explain reasons for
respondents actions based on their choices.
Results and discussions: Our findings indicated significant gender-based
differences in both socio-economic and travel characteristics. Factors
influencing active mobility for women, in particular, included, car ownership,
income level, availability of pedestrian facilities, travel time, age, safety, and the
condition of public transport. Based on these findings, we recommend that
policymakers consider gender differences that support the use of active travel
especially in the area of safety, as well as provision of specific public transport
infrastructures to accommodate the needs of women in accordance to their
age and life cycle in the study area.