Abstract
We live among a throng of social meanings. In a transport context, cars are described as symbols of status, bicycles as the toys of Middle Aged Men in Lycra, and buses as loser cruisers'. This study asks Do these social meanings matter?' Do they influence people's transport practices, and if so, how and how much? The participants in this research reported that social meanings had widespread influences, particularly on their transport mode choices, vehicle choices, and travel performances. This research has implications for the ways that social meanings are incorporated into transport policy and future transport research.