Cycle: XXXVIII

PhD student: Andrea Manunza

Role: R1 - First Stage Researcher

Supervisor: Prof. Ferdinando Fornara

Co-supervisor: Prof. Oriana Mosca

Sustainable mobility is a crucial challenge for contemporary cities, and understanding the psychological variables that influence active mobility behaviors is an area of growing interest in psycho-social research. This doctoral research aims to analyze the psychological and environmental factors that affect bicycle use and walking, with a particular focus on urban transportation.

As part of this investigation, a systematic review of the literature is currently being conducted to examine the relationship between psycho-social variables and active mobility behaviors, considering both cycling and walking. Additionally, a pilot study has already explored the intention to use bicycles through an experiment based on manipulated scenarios. This study focused on a specific urban area in Cagliari (Viale Ciusa) and evaluated the influence of psycho-social variables, such as perceived safety, perceived comfort, and social norms, as well as environmental factors, including the presence of bike lanes, road traffic, urban greenery, and street furniture.

Preliminary results provide valuable insights for developing intervention strategies aimed at promoting active mobility. Future studies planned within this research project will further explore these dynamics, contributing to a deeper understanding of the psychological processes that govern sustainable transportation choices.