The effect of COVID-19 and subsequent social distancing on travel behavior
Overview
Paper Summary
This viewpoint article hypothesizes that social distancing measures due to COVID-19 will decrease overall travel demand, shift travel mode preferences away from public transport and towards active travel or private cars, and may have mixed effects on well-being by increasing social isolation while potentially promoting recreational physical activity like walking and cycling.
Explain Like I'm Five
Scientists think that when people had to stay away from others because of the sickness, they traveled less overall. They also rode fewer buses and trains, instead walking, biking, or driving cars, which sometimes made them feel lonely but also helped them get exercise outside.
Possible Conflicts of Interest
None identified
Identified Limitations
Rating Explanation
This viewpoint offers some interesting hypotheses about the potential effects of social distancing on travel behavior, highlighting both negative (social isolation, reduced physical activity) and positive (less car use, more active travel) consequences. However, the lack of empirical evidence and the limited scope prevent a higher rating.
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