Young adults and mobility: perceptions and aspirations

Published by: David Suzuki Foundation and partners
Authored by: Jérôme Laviolette
Partners: Programme Cégep Vert du Québec d'ENvironnement JEUnesse

Cities, Climate solutions climate change, sustainable transportation, energy, greenhouse gas emissions

The automobility system is responsible for a vast array of consequences regarding climate change, the environment, public health, personal and public finances and, more broadly, society, by fostering inequity and affecting quality of life. Shifting to a sustainable mobility paradigm requires a holistic approach with major changes in transport policies, urban planning, infrastructure and mobility management strategies. This will require important changes in social norms, attitudes and lifestyles.

In this perspective, mobility trends of the millennial generation (also known as Generation Y) seem promising, as this generation has been shown to be more sustainability-focused and less car-oriented than previous generations. This third and final report in a series of three on car dependence details the findings of a web survey and focus group sessions conducted with millennial students, aged 18 to 25, to gain a deeper perspective on transportation-related beliefs and aspirations for future mobility and lifestyle.