Characterizing mobility lifestyles in Finnish cities

Abstract

Car-centric urban development and car-dependent mobility practices are causing increasing harm to society and the environment. Achieving transformative changes in urban mobility requires a deeper understanding of citizens’ mobility lifestyles. This study investigates mobility lifestyles in three Finnish cities using public participation geographic information system (PPGIS) survey data from 3,260 participants. Cluster analysis identified six distinct lifestyle profiles based on travel attitudes and neighbourhood preferences. These profiles differ in travel behaviour, sociodemographic characteristics, residential locations, and perceived health and well-being. We identified three car-oriented and three sustainable mobility lifestyle profiles, indicating the coexistence of contrasting orientations within urban populations. Sustainable mobility lifestyles were more commonly associated with car-free attitudes, multimodal travel behaviour, younger age groups, lower income, and women. Attitudes towards active mobility, car use, and car ownership varied and were predictors of travel behaviour across profiles. However, mismatches between travel attitudes and behaviour were also observed, indicating that mobility choices may be caused by contextual factors. Neighbourhood preferences aligned partially with both sustainable and car-oriented profiles, suggesting nuanced associations with mobility behaviour. The findings advance understanding of the diverse motivations and conditions shaping everyday mobility practices. By revealing group-specific barriers and opportunities for behavioural change, the study provides actionable insights to support targeted interventions and sustainability transitions in urban mobility.