Excess travel in non-professional trips: Why look for it miles away?

摘要

Based on the spatial distribution of some quasi-daily destination classes and survey-reported trip distances, regional variation in excess travel in non-professional trips in Flanders (Belgium) is assessed. To this end, proximity to various quasi-daily destinations is compared with the reported distance that is actually travelled to reach similar, but alternative, facilities. We note that in rural areas (compared with urban areas) larger distances are travelled, although the closest facility is chosen more often. In the most urbanised areas, however, we note that spatial proximity is also an important aspect in destination choice. Quantification of these phenomena can support the practice of sustainable spatial planning by distinguishing areas that are too mono-functional or too remote, and therefore need more functional diversity, and by identifying areas where densification is useful because the location is close to most quasi-daily destinations, reducing the need to travel over large distances.