What the study found
The study found that mobility of care, meaning trips made for unpaid care work such as caregiving and domestic responsibilities, is a substantial part of daily travel in the rural case study. Care trips accounted for about 35% of all daily trips, and they were mostly made by women, seniors, and non-working people.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that their findings add new detail about how mobility of care may differ in rural areas. They also suggest there may be a need for more flexible collective transport options for rural caregivers, beyond services designed around commuters and students.
What the researchers tested
The researchers first reviewed earlier studies on mobility of care to summarize previous findings. They then carried out an exploratory analysis in a rural case study in South Tyrol, looking at how common care trips are, who makes them, and how they are made. Finally, they compared the case study results with the earlier literature.
What worked and what didn't
In the case study, private cars and active modes together accounted for 90% of care-related travel. The study also found that 30% of care trips were 5-15 km long, 50% happened during off-peak hours, and 60% were destined for villages. These results are consistent with previous research in some respects, while also adding rural-specific details.
What to keep in mind
The authors note that the results cannot be generalized because of the limited sample size. The abstract does not describe additional limitations.
Key points
- Mobility of care refers to trips made for unpaid care work, including caregiving and domestic responsibilities.
- Care trips made up about 35% of all daily trips in the rural case study.
- Women, seniors, and non-working people were the main caregivers in the sample.
- Private cars and active modes accounted for 90% of care-related travel.
- Thirty percent of care trips were 5-15 km long, and half took place during off-peak hours.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Care trips make up about 35% of daily trips in the rural case study
- Authors:
- Carolina Chizzali, Elisa Ravazzoli, Alberto Dianin
- Institutions:
- Eurac Research, Eurac Research, Eurac Research, TU Wien
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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