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Alternative transportation education: implementing an innovative module


Purpose
This study aims to investigate the Colorado state university (CSU) MOVES online, transportation module, which was implemented for the dual purpose of promoting alternative modes of transportation and while providing students with the information and skills necessary to comfortably and safely commute on and around campus without a personal motor vehicle.


Design/methodology/approach
This mixed methods research tests the effect of the CSU MOVES transportation module on students’ familiarity, comfortability and knowledgeability, the researchers investigate within- and across-group changes in student survey responses over time.


Findings
The educational transportation module had an immediate and significant impact on the students’ familiarity, comfortability and knowledgeability regarding alternative and active transportation methods and this effect lasted over the semester. In addition, participating students experienced much larger gains in their knowledgeability of safe active transportation practices.


Research limitations/implications
The CSU MOVES survey data was limited in multiple ways, including self-selection into participation and completion of the transportation module, as well as the small sample size and lack of an authentic control group.


Originality/value
Universities and colleges across the country are becoming critically aware of issues surrounding transportation on and around campus and CSU is one of the first universities to join together with the local community to implement a transportation education module. Transportation initiatives have been motivated by multiple factors such as the supply of and demand for parking on and around campuses, sustainability efforts to reduce carbon emissions associated with university operations and the promotion of student health through active lifestyle practices.
