Abstract
Transportation is a substantial source of greenhouse gas emissions; therefore, achieving climate neutrality requires focus on sustainable transportation. An assessment of the literature indicates that municipalities can successfully implement sustainable transportation legislation and encourage behavioural shifts toward lower-emission mobility options by tailoring solutions to their community’s specific needs. This study examines travel patterns, reasons for mobility, and transportation mode choices in four European countries – Latvia, Estonia, Poland, and Sweden – using survey data from 1151 respondents in selected municipalities. Notably, Estonia and Latvia showed a stronger preference for cycling, while private car use remained dominant in all regions, contributing to environmental concerns. The survey also investigated the elements that influence travel mode choices, and the most important ones were distance, journey time, comfort, convenience, and public transit availability. The study also includes an assessment of respondents’ willingness to support various policies, based on the Avoid–Shift–Improve approach. While the support for sustainable transportation policies varies by country, the findings show a widespread desire for improved public transportation, pedestrian-friendly urban planning, and remote work options to reduce commuting. Municipalities must also address issues such as housing and job disparities as well as a lack of efficient public transportation in rural areas. These findings provide guidance to policymakers aiming to promote sustainable mobility and reduce transportation-related emissions, with an emphasis on measures tailored to regional contexts.