MEN seem less stressed and more relaxed than women about transport options in urban settings, according to a new study.

Men felt no anxiety about having an accident or the safety of others, and were undeterred even if they had been involved in a crash or injured before, said Sarah Hinde of Australian National University, who conducted the study.

Hinde used the study to examine male and female attitudes towards transport options like cars, buses, trains, trams, bicycles and walking, according to a university press release.

"Women reported feeling anxious about their own and other people's safety using all forms of transport, and many experience travel as a source of conflict, stress or danger.

"Although these women travel every day, many felt quite intimidated."

Hinde said that current transport modes are creating clear gender inequalities, especially as policymakers tend to focus on the journey to work when planning urban transport.

Photograph: Stock Xchange