What the study found
Perceptions of the barrier effect were described by two components: physical barriers, meaning views of traffic and crossing points, and environmental barriers, meaning views of the surroundings of transport infrastructure. Perceptions of physical barriers were significantly associated with the use of active modes, but neither type of perceived barrier was associated with how often people interacted with neighbours.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that pedestrian and cyclist perceptions should be integrated into the planning and design of new and existing transport infrastructure to improve accessibility. They say this approach is relevant for promoting safe and comfortable environments and encouraging active modes for local activities.
What the researchers tested
The researchers carried out a cross-sectional questionnaire study in Santiago Province, Chile, with 1,812 valid responses. They used factor analysis to identify main components of the barrier effect, cluster analysis to create barrier effect indices from factor scores, and logistic regression models to examine associations with active mode choice and neighbour interactions.
What worked and what didn't
The study found two components underlying barrier-effect perceptions: perceptions of vehicular traffic and crossing points, and perceptions of the surroundings of transport infrastructures. Travelling to local destinations by active modes was more likely among participants who were carers than among those who were employed, and for supermarket trips, participants with basic education were more likely to use active modes than those with a university education. Physical barrier perceptions were significantly associated with active mode use, while environmental barrier perceptions were not reported as significantly associated with active mode use; neither type of barrier perception was associated with frequency of interactions with neighbours.
What to keep in mind
The study used a cross-sectional design, so the abstract does not describe changes over time. The summary provided does not report other limitations beyond the scope of the sample and measures used.
Key points
- Barrier-effect perceptions were split into physical barriers and environmental barriers.
- Physical barrier perceptions were significantly associated with active mode use.
- Neither type of perceived barrier was associated with interactions with neighbours.
- Carers were more likely than employed participants to travel locally by active modes.
- For supermarket trips, participants with basic education were more likely to use active modes than those with university education.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Barrier perceptions linked to active travel in Santiago
- Authors:
- Daniela Vanessa Rodriguez Lara, Antônio Nélson Rodrigues da Silva, Kabir P. Sadarangani, Jennifer Susan Mindell, Paulo Anciaes
- Institutions:
- Universidade de São Paulo, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Universidad Diego Portales, University College London
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-08
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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