Most people believe that millennials are leading the way to a green transportation future by moving to cities and riding public transit rather than driving. However, scientists found that the picture may be a bit more complicated than expected.
In this latest study, the researchers looked at teen behavior in two Vermont school districts. One was semi-urban and had many public transportation options and destinations that were attractive to teens, like a mall. The other area was more rural and suburban, and it didn't have much in the way of public transportation or destinations for teens.
The scientists found that in the rural suburban district, teens ended up getting their driver's licenses within about a month of their 16th birthdays. In the more urban area, though, the teens delayed several months before getting their licenses.
The researchers also looked at how the Internet and cell phones influenced the teens and whether or not they drove. While the phones and Internet allowed the teens to arrange rides and meeting up, it didn't replace meeting in person. That meant that the teens still wanted to "go" instead of just stay at home.
"If we're concerned with trying to make non-car transportation viable for teens - a habit they could carry over into later years -then land-use patterns, density and the transportation network of walkable areas, bike paths and public transportation really matter," said Meghan Cope, co-author of the new study.
The scientists suggest several ways to help areas that aren't reliant on cars for transportation. The first is to create interconnected, walkable communities. Putting zoning practices into place can encourage mixed-use development and higher residential densities. In addition, the authors suggest that both public transit and biking/pedestrian infrastructure should be intregrated into neighborhoods and commercial developments.
The findings show that when it comes to driving, public transportation is key. This is particularly important when it comes to creating a future with less greenhouse gas emissions.
"There's a social justice dimension," Cope said. "Land-use decisions can marginalize whole groups of people. In car-oriented suburbs, teens whose families have fewer resources or challenging work schedules, elderly people, the disabled, the poor and those who choose not to drive are left out."
The findings were published in the March edition of the journal Annals of the Association of American Geographers.
