Abstract
Introduction: An analysis of cyclists and drivers in Ireland using self-report methods to provide insight into stress, self-efficacy and satisfaction with life.
Method: All instruments used in this study were self-administered online questionnaires. These included demographic questions on age, gender, commute type and commute time to work. Stress questions were used from the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the 5 Item Satisfaction with Life Measure.
Results: A significant difference was found in satisfaction with life levels of female cyclists who were found to have higher levels compared with males. Females were also found to have a negative correlation with self-efficacy and stress in both the cycling and driving group. Male drivers were found to have a negative correlation between satisfaction with life and stress and a positive correlation with satisfaction with life and self-efficacy.
Discussion: Female uptake of cycling could be improved by increasing self-efficacy and reducing stress through appropriate cycling facilities, infrastructure and traffic management. Car commuting for males had an impact on stress which affected their life satisfaction, a finding that was not seen when they cycled, which could indicate a more stable mode of transport in psychological terms. Author keywords: Commute, car, bicycle, active travel, self-efficacy, satisfaction with life, stress, gender, length of commute, Ireland
