A recent Pew Research poll shows an interesting indicator of a person’s political views – how they get to work. Your preferred mode of transportation can say a lot about your political ideology.
The poll report shows that people who walk, bike, or take public transportation to work are more likely to have liberal leanings than those who drive longer commutes in their own vehicles.
Apparently, it’s not?just a coincidence. The?report shows that liberals tend?to prefer living in more diverse, urban environments with greater walkability and closer access to amenities. Conservatives, on the other hand, prefer more open environments with larger, more?separated?houses, even if it means they have to travel farther for work and other services.
Another?contributing factor is the amount of respect the different groups have for?public goods and services. In the poll, 73 percent of liberals said that they enjoyed living next to public cultural landmarks?such as museums and theaters. Liberals tend to appreciate services like public transportation, and thus are more willing to take advantage of them when available.
Finally, the poll results tend to feed into the belief that liberals are typically more health conscious and environment-oriented than conservatives. All forms of transportation other than driving your own car are typically better for the environment. Walking and biking offer the added advantage of doubling as part of your exercise for the day. While those ideas may be?stereotypical, it seems like there’s at least some truth to the claims.
Let us know your thoughts at the Liberal America Facebook page.
H/T The Oregonian
