The Impact of Individual Behavioural Change in Daily Transportation on Carbon Footprint: An Applied Study on Bicycle Use in the Case of Iğdır

• Published in: Coğrafi Bilimler Dergisi
• Main Author: Selçuk Gürçam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ankara University 2025-10-01
• Subjects: carbon footprint; sustainable transportation; bicycle use; individual behaviour change; iğdır
• Online Access: https://dergipark.org.tr/tr/pub/aucbd/issue/91653/1716832
• ISSN: 1303-5851; 1308-9765

This study presents the impact of behavioural changes in individual transportation preferences on the carbon footprint through a self-observational case study. From a theoretical perspective, the motivational underpinnings of individual action are explained within the framework of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and the Value–Belief–Norm Theory. The study focuses on a public employee living in Iğdır Province, Türkiye, who, over a period of approximately two months, switched from private cars to bicycles. This transition is analysed using quantitative data regarding environmental, economic, air pollution, and health aspects. As a result, the participant's weekly cycling distance of 145.52 km led to the prevention of approximately 21.43 kg of CO₂e emissions and the saving of 7,999 litres of fuel. Moreover, their physical activity level met World Health Organization standards. Overall, the study highlights the potential for low-carbon transportation practices at the individual level to contribute to collective climate goals, while also emphasizing the shortcomings of local governments and providing policy recommendations.