Abstract ID: 3.12969 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Research on determinants of daily mobility patterns has traditionally focused on highly densely populated areas. In contrast, research in this field centred in other sorts of territories has been scarce, and even more in mountain areas. This absence of research is mainly due to the lack of appropriate data. Using a suitable data set, we are able to study the main features that characterize the mobility of a mid-mountain area located in South Catalonia (Spain). Data from the Daily Mobility Survey of the Camp de Tarragona, conducted in 2020 before the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockout, have been used. The survey provides detailed information about all journeys undertaken during the day before the interview by the resident population. This information comprises the origin and destination of each journey, mode of transport, motivation, time and duration. The data source also contains wide sociodemographic information, as well as opinions regarding certain elements of mobility. 860 valid questionnaires were collected in those municipalities regarded as part of mountain areas. The aim of this study is to analyse the role of key sociodemographic variables, such as age and gender, in mobility patterns in these mountain areas. It also seeks to explore the role of the municipality of residence in this variability of behaviours based on age and gender. The hypothesis is that factors determined by different levels of accessibility interact differently depending on sociodemographic conditions of the population. The results obtained signal that the inhabitants of the study area are highly dependent on the motorized private vehicle, while the use of public transportation is marginal. They are obliged to travel relatively long distances to access certain jobs and services. Despite the existence of some municipalities that are capable of adopt a central role within the area, this capacity of attraction is limited, and journeys beyond the limits of the territory are frequent. One of the consequences of this situation is the potential exclusion of certain segments of the population who do not have the availability of private vehicles.