Newsroom

New survey aims to understand how young adults commute

The Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) and VicRoads are curious about how young adults commute to their place of work or study, and what factors influence these decisions. 

By gaining a better understanding of young adult's travel behaviours, this new research aims to assist in planning for the future transport needs of young people. 

Get involved in the study 

The ARRB and VicRoads are conducting an online survey of young adults between the age of 18 and 25 (inclusive). 

The survey will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes, and can only be completed by those between the designated age limit, who hold a current car driver license that allows you to drive in Victoria. 

The survey opens on 31 January, and closes at midnight on 14 February. 

To say thanks for getting involved, those who complete the survey will go in the running to win one of ten Coles Group and Myer Gift Cards valued at $100 each.

You can access the survey here.

What we know

What we know from the Australian Census of Population and Housing is that the vast majority of Australians commute to work by private vehicle – which accounted for 79% of the 9.2 million commuters captured in the 2016 Census. Of those captured, 14% took public transport and only 5.2% commuted via active transport (cycled or walked). 

This car-focused mindset is choking our cities with traffic and air pollution, while on average two thirds of Australians are not getting enough physical exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

These statistics help fuel Bicycle Network's mission to make bike riding a more accessible mode of transport for everyone in Australia through programs such as National Ride2Work Day. 

If studies like the one being conducted by ARRB and VicRoads show that more Australians are interested in commuting by bike, there will be more evidence to support building more bike-friendly cities in Australia.