Att organisera vardagen utan bil: En studie av billösa barnfamiljers mobilitet och strategier

Sammanfattning

The aim of this study was to understand the everyday mobility of families who are involuntarily carless and the practical consequences that arise when the private car is not an available alternative. Previous research shows that the involuntarily carless, as opposed to the voluntarily carfree, generally have lower income and fewer mobility options. This, in turn, affects the available strategies for organising everyday life. Using qualitative interviews, guided by thematic analysis, this study explores how carless families organise their daily lives and what strategies they use to make everyday life work.The results show that these carless families use a variety of transport modes, though the degree to which they use different transport options is highly situational, depending upon the length and distance of the trip, along with material and monetary means. Multiple interviewees recount that they lack the financial resources necessary to use carpooling options, to pay for public transport, or to buy bicycles for the family. To organise their daily life, the families consistently describe the importance of planning ahead as well as the need for flexibility and contingency plans. Traveling with children, especially young ones, further complicates planning as they have lower stamina and tolerance for long trips, while they also require more packing and coordination of activities. A recurring strategy among all participants is reliance on social networks, which provide both practical support, such as rides, and financial assistance for carsharing.